Anxiety and Depression: I see them as two weary siblings holding hands as they walk a pitted road. When they show up together within us, their twin solemnity sucks all the air out of the room. They ache of need, but are preoccupied with their own wounds to the exclusion of all else. They want to be loved and to feel lovable, but it is so hard with these two. Each has experienced rejection and maybe domination; the words are written on the soles of their feet. Tender little feet, quite dirty, and who will wash them? Care is needed for these two.
Anxiety and Depression present quite differently from one another, yet share a core of travail. Anxiety cries out, “I’m afraid!” while Depression wails, “It’s hopeless!” Most likely, the Inner Critic calls one, “Wimp!” and the other, “Weak!” There is really only one tool in the Inner Critic’s tool-box, and that is shame. How horrible! Shame. Embarrassment. Ridicule. Humiliation. Who would not flee from this?
Unfortunately internal flight leads nowhere. A hall of mirrors, a maze that always arrives back at the start. No wonder so many addictions proliferate! They offer respite, even if only temporary and at a Price (sometimes very high). Yet let us agree that Anxiety and Depression together create a formidable duo. When they are visiting, medication and a good therapist may be needed. Our struggles can be dangerous and surely will be difficult. Keep going! O so many people have been visited by the Twins: you are not alone.
Over the clamor of the Inner Critic’s shaming voice, it is hard for the Twins to hear the gentler, far kinder voice of Truth. Help the Twins discern between the two so that they can develop awareness of a world beyond. After all, in any individual, Anxiety and Depression are only part of the picture. But they may eclipse the potential of other aspects to bloom. Dial down the voice of shame by identifying when your Inner Critic is pounding on you (“aha!”) Then do what you need to strengthen your relationship with your caring Self. There are a thousand paths for accomplishing this, and all you need is one.
Anxiety and Depression present quite differently from one another, yet share a core of travail. Anxiety cries out, “I’m afraid!” while Depression wails, “It’s hopeless!” Most likely, the Inner Critic calls one, “Wimp!” and the other, “Weak!” There is really only one tool in the Inner Critic’s tool-box, and that is shame. How horrible! Shame. Embarrassment. Ridicule. Humiliation. Who would not flee from this?
Unfortunately internal flight leads nowhere. A hall of mirrors, a maze that always arrives back at the start. No wonder so many addictions proliferate! They offer respite, even if only temporary and at a Price (sometimes very high). Yet let us agree that Anxiety and Depression together create a formidable duo. When they are visiting, medication and a good therapist may be needed. Our struggles can be dangerous and surely will be difficult. Keep going! O so many people have been visited by the Twins: you are not alone.
Over the clamor of the Inner Critic’s shaming voice, it is hard for the Twins to hear the gentler, far kinder voice of Truth. Help the Twins discern between the two so that they can develop awareness of a world beyond. After all, in any individual, Anxiety and Depression are only part of the picture. But they may eclipse the potential of other aspects to bloom. Dial down the voice of shame by identifying when your Inner Critic is pounding on you (“aha!”) Then do what you need to strengthen your relationship with your caring Self. There are a thousand paths for accomplishing this, and all you need is one.
