Mark Duplass Instagram – I’m always questioning how hard I should fight anxiety and depression when it comes, and how much I should try to accept it and simply move through it. It’s not a simple answer. But lately I’ve been holding a helpful image.
A river.
I’m on a wide river, fast flowing current, impenetrably high stone walls on either side. This is when my mental health is at its worst. It feels hopeless. All I can think to do is swim against the current and try not to drown. But it’s exhausting, and I get nowhere.
But then I try to remind myself that this river will likely change as it goes along. There will be times when the current slows. The river narrows. There may be some fallen tree trunks lodged in the middle where I can hang on for a moment to take a breather.
So I change my tactic. I stop fighting the current. I flip on my back, look up, and start to float. And have faith that I’ll find some relief when the river brings me the opportunity. And maybe it’ll narrow and the stone walls will recede, and there might even be a nice sandy beach that I can reach.
And I realize that everything is a phase. And that maybe I just need to ride the river best I can and keep my eyes open for the places on the shore to rest, breathe, and lay in the sun. And be thankful for those moments.
Sending big love. And relentless storms of hope.
If you find yourself headed somewhere scary, call/text/chat @988lifeline 24-7. | Posted on 15/Jun/2024 05:38:38
