Stepping through depression and anxiety takes bravery. Often it is a quiet courage that many do not see. The words surrounding the I Am Brave shield, are words you can use to step through moments of darkness and fear.
Affirmations are one simple way to bravely step through depression and anxiety. An affirmation is any statement that you make – it can be either positive or negative.
One of the symptoms of depression is to be bombarded with negative thoughts and emotions. All too often statements such as these are what may fill your thoughts:
I will never feel better.
I feel desperate and helpless.
I am pathetic and weak.
With anxiety negative thoughts are slightly different:
I feel like I’m dying.
I am frozen with fear and panic.
I want this to end NOW.
For myself personally, whenever these thoughts come up, I look for a positive affirmation to “reframe” them. I know what you’re more than likely thinking, “what’s the use of saying these if they’re not true. I feel like a fake saying them.” I can relate to this, because far too many times I have thought the same thing. With anything, it takes practice. Believe me, over time it becomes like second nature, and there are times you need a gentle reminder.
Let’s look at the above examples:
Depression:
I will never feel better
REFRAME: I am taking the baby steps I need for my healing.
I feel desperate and helpless.
REFRAME: I am resilient and hope filled.
I am pathetic and weak.
REFRAME: I am becoming resilient accepting vulnerable and empowered.
Anxiety:
I feel like I’m dying.
REFRAME: I am safe and this too shall pass.
I am frozen with fear and panic.
REFRAME: I am bravely aware, and accept that this too shall pass.
I want this to end NOW.
REFRAME: I am accepting of this moment with love and grace, this too shall pass.
You will notice with each of the anxiety reframes, I have used the statement “this too shall pass”. It’s important to remember that an anxiety attack doesn’t last forever, even though it feels like it in the moment. It WILL and does pass, and each time it does, you have bravely gotten through.
With both depression and anxiety, it is so important not to discard or fight the emotions and/or thoughts that come up. Personally, I don’t believe there are any negative or positive emotions – they are all emotions, we are human beings designed to feel. The negative and positive; which I prefer to recognize as healthy and unhealthy, depends on how we choose to respond.
Beginning with simple “reframe” affirmations is a step to move onwards and upwards with baby steps.
You are loved. You are not alone.
Hugs & Love
