As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I do not have much self-confidence in myself. I honestly never have. This plays a small role in my anxiety and depression issues. Sometimes, when I am feeling down, I think that I am not worth very much. I am not a man who has many friends; people never invite me to outings or weekend get-togethers. I have always wanted to be invited to a cool Halloween party that I hear many speak about. I never was invited to the “cool” parties in high school. I always felt left out. I can go on and on with examples.
Rediscovering Gratitude in the Midst of Darkness:
When I get into this mindset I have to pause and meditate hard on why I am feeling the way I currently do. In reality, I have a friend who sends me an inspirational text message every single day. Do you know how good that makes me feel? This individual thinks enough of me to take time out of his busy morning to type out an inspirational message. That sounds like a good friend to me. I have another friend who will call me at least three times a week to check on me and see how things are going.
When I am in a depressed mindset, I am blind to these friends. Sure, I acknowledge them and speak to them, but what I mean is I do not think about how lucky I am. All I can see is the negative, no matter how many positives are in front of me. It is like a disease. I cannot help it. It is just how I felt at the time. I do not think about how lucky I am to have a beautiful, faithful wife of twenty-three years. I do not think about how lucky I am to have such a beautiful, respectful daughter who cares for me.
Supporting Loved Ones with Low Self-Esteem:
If you find that a friend or loved one is struggling with low self-esteem, it’s essential to approach them with kindness and understanding. Instead of explicitly telling them how valuable they are, show them through your actions and affirmations. Remind them of the enjoyable times you share and express gratitude for their presence in your life.
Avoid directly addressing their depression mindset, as this might reinforce negative thoughts. Individuals in this state often perceive discussions about their mental state as further evidence of their perceived shortcomings. It’s crucial to provide a positive environment, letting them soak in uplifting thoughts gradually. Remember, battling such feelings is not as simple as flicking off a light switch. Over time, with consistent positivity and support, the clouds can lift, and things can improve. Always approach them with empathy and a genuine desire to uplift their spirits.
Someone who is feeling depressed may feel very alone. That is how I feel a lot. Now that I have lost my best friend and both parents, I have what seems like a large void inside me. I have read a lot of grief books that tell me that it is okay to feel that void. This morning, my friend sent me an excerpt from AA’s book titled “Daily Reflections.” It says:
“Overcoming Loneliness”
“Almost without exception, alcoholics are tortured by loneliness. Even before our drinking got bad and people began to cut us off, nearly all of us suffered the feeling that we did not quite belong. As Bill Sees It, p.90
It is when I am alone and calm that I am able to communicate with God, for He cannot reach me when I am in turmoil. It is good to maintain contact with God at all times, but it is absolutely essential that, when everything seems to go wrong, I maintain that contact through prayer and meditation.”
So, when I feel alone, I am not. God is there. I can talk to him, I can pray to him, I can meditate on him. When I read that excerpt, it reminds me that I am not the only one who feels alone. I am not the only one who feels like they do not belong. The reason I do not like being alone is because that is when negative thoughts start racing through my head unless I get out of my laptop or journal and start writing.
When I start feeling lonely, and the negative thoughts race into my head, I then feel like I am worthless. These verses came to my attention when thinking about my self-worth.
Luke 12:24 ESV says:
“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”
Matthew 6:26-27 ESV says:
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more value than they? And which of you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Matthew 10:31ESV says:
“Fear Not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Nurturing Empathy and Positivity in Interactions:
These verses beautifully illustrate God’s care for all of His creations, emphasizing the inherent value and importance of each individual. The reminder not to be consumed by worry and anxiety underscores the preciousness of life. It serves as a powerful encouragement to recognize our own worth and purpose. We are not here merely to exist but to fulfill a unique plan that God has for each of us.
In our interactions with others, it’s crucial to be mindful of the struggles that people may be facing internally. We cannot fully comprehend the battles others are fighting within their minds. Therefore, let us approach those around us with empathy, refraining from adding to any negative thoughts they may be experiencing. Instead, strive to uplift them with positivity and create environments that foster well-being.
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