Nothing is wrong with you. You, like the rest of us, might be experiencing duality. Duality is an offshoot of the word dual, meaning “consisting of two parts or elements.” For example, Spring has arrived. With it comes birth, renewal, and regeneration. In some areas of the country the weather has improved and people have ventured outside more, leaving their hibernating dens of the Winter season. This experience can be reinvigorating and exciting for some. For others however, Spring brings sadness. The same blossoming of flowers and invitations to Easter flings that excite some people depress others. For some, seeing the “newness” and still feeling the “same” (lost, depressed, disconnected) causes increased feelings of hopeless and helplessness.
Although it would not be appropriate to speculate on why some of us end up in category one (uplifted by Spring) and others in category two (saddened by Spring), I do know there are things we can do to help ourselves and each other during these times.

1. Reserve judgement- self judgement or criticism of someone else. The judgement will not help the negative feelings. Try finding a positive thing or two and acknowledge it.
2. Practice self-care or connecting with others. If you are struggling, be kind to yourself. Take breaks. Reach out to ask for help. Get rest. Eat well. Talk to a professional if you need help. If you see someone struggling, offer a helping hand. Sometimes the offer to be there is all it takes to move someone to a better place.
3. Think of “exceptions”. If you are the one looking through what we at Conscious Living call “funky glasses” then everything looks awful and hopeless. Try to find exceptions. Exceptions are times when things were not awful, and remember that better times will come again. Funks tend to come in waves. You can ride this one out too. If you are helping someone who is looking through their “funky glasses” help them find exceptions, and if they can’t think of any, try to help them create some. Sometimes just getting out of the house for a change of scenery can be healing.

Remember that everyone goes through rough times. Everyone gets a twisted perspective from time to time. This can, and will, pass. And, as always remember you are not alone.
Take care of yourself,
Christine

Author Info

Conscious Living Counseling