Living with Depression and Anxiety? Hope in Reassurance

Living with Depression

“My mood and anxiety woes have me feeling absolutely wrung-out and hopeless. Sure would be nice to hear from someone, ‘You’re gonna’ be just fine.’”

If you’re living with depression or learning how to beat anxiety, words of reassurance mean so much. They’re such valuable instruments of hope, don’t you think? And, man, if you can come by a bit of gentle touch to blend with the words, the soothing magic becomes all the more sweet and powerful.

You know, I’ve had my longings for even a morsel of reassurance over the many years. Don’t believe me? Here’s a poem I wrote some 25 years ago that addresses our theme…

What’s to Come

What direction will the wind blow
And where shall it carry my soul

Such secrets weigh heavily upon my mind
And I don’t know why I’m curious
I don’t know why I’m scared

Maybe I think my day will never come
Or perhaps a life too late

Maybe I cry over what I missed
Never to have the chance

The raindrops fall upon my house
And thoughts fill my night

I pause and reflect on an evening
I wonder and I ask
Great God of the universe reveal your plan

Define the moods of the wind
And temper of the tides

Can’t I know I’ll be alright
And safe in your arms

Ya’ think I was longing for reassurance? You’d better believe I was.

Okay, I don’t think anyone’s going to dispute the power of reassurance. So that takes us to the business of figuring-out how to come up with it – whenever and wherever.

To whom will you turn to hear what you long – need – to hear? Well, depending upon your life situation the candidate list may be quite lengthy (or woefully short). Let’s see – there are spouses, partners, friends, counselors, physicians, spiritual advisers, and many more.

Thing is, though, do you have access to your reassurance source 24/7, no matter where you are? Not only that, do you hold your source in high enough regard for their input to be meaningful? Talk about deal-breakers.

Tell ya’ what, when it comes to finding the perfect reassurance source, I have the perfect answer. I’m suggesting you turn to someone you know very well. Someone to whom you always have immediate and intimate access.

That would be you!

Turning inward for reassurance? That may seem like a tough concept to buy. After all, you’re the one who’s feeling depressed, anxious, lost, hopeless, clueless, and downright miserable.

Still, you’re the perfect candidate. And can you see the ultimate beauty in relying upon yourself for those soothing and powerful words – thoughts – of reassurance? You could even add your own bit of self-touch to make the impact all the more sweet and lasting.

Now, it may take some time to realize a true sense of comfort by turning inward for reassurance when the wolf’s at the door. And you’ll really need to practice. But I have no doubt you can pull it off. Just think how pleased you’ll be with yourself when you do. How strong is that?

And, hey, don’t forget – sure you’re going to be your primary source for reassurance when times get tough. But the cool thing is, you can still receive and accept words of confidence and hope from those close to you. I mean, pile it on!

Hope in reassurance: absolutely! You’re human, and you need it. But do all you can to become your primary source, affording yourself the luxury of getting what you need at a moment’s notice.

(Oh, and by the way, you’re gonna’ be just fine!)

image credit: vipdictionary.com

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  • Patricia Miller October 11, 2012, 2:16 pm

    Your poem is so touching and meaningful. Thank you for always providing thoughtful, well-researched and valuable material here.

    Reply
    • chipur October 11, 2012, 2:47 pm

      Ah, my pleasure. Always a labor of love. Thank you for your continued participation, Patricia. Bill

      Reply