Feeling depressed and or having anxiety? You are not alone. I want to normalize this for you. It is completely normal to feel down in spirits or to feel anxious during this difficult time. Some people who have never experienced these symptoms are experiencing them now. Even if you have a positive outlook and are optimistic, depression can still surface during this time. Please know that you are not alone and that this is normal. We are living in a time with much uncertainty. Such extreme uncertainty and adversity definitely evokes depression and anxiety symptoms.

MINDFULLFUL PRACTICE:

It is first of all helpful to allow yourself to feel everything that you are truly feeling and experiencing. Try not to sweep your feelings and emotions under the rug. Try not to stuff them. While this may be something you feel might be helpful, it is actually more helpful to let your true feelings come out to the surface. I want to encourage you today to allow your real authentic feelings and emotions to come to the surface. Give yourself permission to feel and be just as you are today.

It is also helpful to sit or lay still and totally allow your feelings and emotions to surface while actually focusing on them. Just give yourself permission to feel how you truly feel and throw any guilt or shame to the wayside.

Try to do this calmly for a minimum of 20 minutes straight. Take small deep cleansing breaths as you acknowledge your true emotions. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth slowly and give yourself permission to feel as you truly feel. While doing so, tell yourself that you are worthy and valuable and that your feelings matter.

Now, after you have allowed yourself to feel how you truly feel, talk to yourself positively. Tell yourself that you are going to be alright. Tell yourself that you are worthy. Tell yourself that are worthy of self-care and that your life and your feelings matter. Tell yourself that if someone does not treat you the way that you would like to be treated that it does not decrease your value as a person. Tell yourself that even though the world seems scary right now that you can have peace within yourself.

There have been studies conducted were individuals’ brains were scanned before and after this type of exercise. Scans showed that this simple practice can literally reset someone’s brain and they actually can feel better in minutes! The mind is a powerful thing!

Follow this activity up with continued positive self-talk that you are worthy and valuable. Tell yourself that your feelings matter without guilt. Tell yourself that you can feel peace in the midst of adversity. Then try to engage in an activity that feeds your soul. If you can’t do something like that due to your current circumstances, visualize yourself doing something in the near future that ignites your zest for life! And if possible, go outside and feel the sunshine and get some vitamin D. Take a short walk and breathe in fresh air and calmness and exhale any fears.

YOU MATTER!

YOUR FEELINGS MATTER!

Diane Gammon LPC-MHSP (temp) NCC, M.S.

TN Licensed Professional and Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor

615-556-8406- Call or -text to schedule a Telehealth Secure (HIPPA Compliant) Video Counseling Session or to ask a question

Email: Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Diane holds a temporary license as a Tennessee licensed professional clinical mental health counselor (TN 4898) with a mental health service provider designation. Diane is also board certified as a national certified counselor (888025). Diane is clinically supervised by Sherry Knox (TN 2671) as she pursues full licensure.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational purposes only to share various health topics to encourage and inspire healthy living. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new health care regimen and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website/ blog.

Blessings, Diane