Transforming the Burden of Existence: Strategies for Mental Wellness

Life is inherently filled with obligations and activities that, on certain days, can seem excessively burdensome. From the moment we wake up, the list of 'must-dos'—such as showering, eating, getting dressed, and commuting to work—can feel like a towering mountain on our shoulders. This feeling oscillates, with some days feeling entirely manageable and others, overwhelmingly heavy. This variation in our capacity to cope is not just a reflection of our physical state but also underscores the complex needs of our mental health. The unpredictability and illogical nature of our brains add another layer of complexity to our daily existence, often making life feel more like a burden than a gift. However, this perspective doesn't have to be a permanent state of mind. Through personal experiences and professional insights, it's possible to identify strategies that make navigating life's ups and downs more manageable, especially for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. These conditions add layers of complexity to self-care, making it both more critical and challenging. Recognizing this, it becomes evident that a unique set of strategies or a different rule book is necessary for those living with mental health conditions. Below are three pivotal strategies that have proven to be transformative in managing the burden of existence and fostering a more tolerable life experience. ### 1. Live for More Than Just Yourself One of the most transformative realizations can be the understanding that living solely for oneself can be limiting, especially when battling a cyclical mood disorder. There will be periods where personal significance fades, making it essential to find external motivations and purposes. This could range from spirituality, career goals, relationships, to passions such as volunteer work, environmental advocacy, or creative pursuits. By investing in things outside oneself, even during severe depressive episodes where emotional connections feel distant, there remains a logical understanding that life's choices still hold value. ### 2. Train Yourself for Delayed Gratification Learning to continue living and performing daily tasks without immediate emotional rewards is crucial. Recognizing that anhedonia, a symptom of depression where nothing seems rewarding, is temporary, can help maintain a level of functioning that will support recovery in the long term. This principle is about understanding the episodic nature of mood disorders and trusting that feelings of joy, interest, and satisfaction will return in time. ### 3. Do Not Function on Emotion Alone Utilizing the concept of 'wise mind' from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which balances logical reasoning with emotional input, is key. Decisions should not be based solely on current emotional states, especially when those states are influenced by a mental health condition. Understanding that emotions can be unreliable narrators of our lives helps in making more balanced decisions that consider both logical and emotional perspectives. Conclusion Adopting these strategies doesn't promise an end to all challenges or difficult days. However, they offer a framework for managing life in a way that reduces the frequency and intensity of feeling overwhelmed by existence. They transform potentially crippling burdens into manageable inconveniences, allowing individuals to navigate life's complexities with resilience. By broadening our reasons for living beyond our immediate self-interest, preparing for periods without emotional rewards, and making decisions that aren't solely based on fluctuating feelings, we can create a life that, despite its challenges, feels worth living. Watch the original video for more insights and detailed explanations.