Change

by Karen K. Scott

Recently I read a quote:

“If you are depressed you’re living in the PAST.

If you are anxious you are living in the FUTURE.

If you are at peace you are living in the PRESENT.”

Lao Tzu

I would often find myself living in all three, past, future, and present, at the same time. At night my mind was continuously going. It’s like I was anxious for no reason and I often felt secluded. I would want to go and hang with friends… but why, when I can lie on the sofa, sleep, and watch TV? Oh, but when I did get out… I pulled myself together and went to a family function, work event, or concert, all was well. I smiled and enjoyed myself, (until myself told me it was time to go, that is.)

This was me. This may even be you. Many Americans experience this type of anxiety daily. For me, I had to want change, seek change, actively work at the change, and finally embrace change. Depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental issues plague many of us every day. Those symptoms don’t often simply go away. They must be faced, walked through, and accepted. Change is difficult. It’s uncomfortable. However, it is progression. The world is ever changing and so are we.

This may be you, or someone you know. If this is you, work towards personal development, and do simple things that make you happy, fall in love with them and yourself all over again.

If you can change your mind you can change your life. William James

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. -Proverbs 12:25

It is estimated** that 16.2 million adults in the US, or 6.7% of American adults, have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year. 1.5% of US adults have persistent depressive disorders and 2.8% of the US adult population has bipolar disorder.  

**http://www.healthline.com, Depression: Facts, Statistics, and You Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg PhD, CRNP on June 29, 2018  Written by Brandi Koskie