DEAR FRIEND,

How are you doing? I know this year may have been more difficult for you but don’t give up. With all the uncertainties, depression or anxiety may have taken the better part of you and you wonder what is left of life? We are hoping this letter may be of help to you. We may not be able to capture everything in this short letter, but we would like to share a few tips for coping with depression/anxiety in the midst of such a season. Let us get into these points, shall we?:

Remind and affirm yourself with God’s Word continually

Being in an uncertain season, we may be filled with fear of what the future holds. It may be hard to see beyond what we feel. View of oneself and the circumstances around us begin to change. Troubled days and nights thinking of where you will find the next job or find the next meal. It may feel like everything is spiraling out of your control but we trust a God who is in control. We need to remind ourselves of this truth, that He who created the universe is in control of all things. No season catches Him by surprise, He is aware of all things. Remind yourself of His promises. Apart from reminding oneself, it also helps to affirm ourselves with God’s Word. Speak it over your life. Speak them as truth in your life.

An example of an affirmation:

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Identify depression/anxiety triggers

Certain specific situations or actions could lead one to the feelings of worry, extreme sadness or even fear. It could be due to internal or external factors. The importance of recognizing such circumstances is in order to be able to better manage things in one’s life. What could have led you to feel depressed or intense feelings of worriedness? What has troubled your mind lately? Note them down. I recently learnt these tips on how to recognize such triggers:

Keep track of your feelings in order to be able to know what situations make you feel the way you do.
Identify major stressors.
Consider how negative past experiences might still be affecting you today.

In the next few points we shall see a few things one can do to cope with such triggers even in the midst of such a season.

Take time to unwind

Take time to declutter your thoughts each day. It could be at the end of each day, where you create some time for yourself to get relaxed, even for brief moments. This may look different for different people. Relaxing helps one get all that is troubling their minds to be released. Here are some unwinding activities:

Some time off from social media/phone off for a day or a few hours
Take time to spend with family/friends – laugh, eat, be in the moment
Listen to music and dance
Take walks/exercise daily/weekly
Pamper yourself

Reach out to community

High stress situations, depression, anxiety, is not easy handling it on your own. It may feel like you are alone, but you are not. When you experience such situations, it is not easy for many to observe what you are feeling, so help them understand how you feel by sharing with a trusted friend/family member who you know can provide valuable insight. Talking to someone may be the beginning of your healing journey. Don’t dismiss this means yet. In a case where you need additional help, consider reaching out to a professional. Do not allow these feelings to overwhelm you alone.

Last but not least, take care of yourself; listen to your body. We hope this short letter may be of help to you. This is not the last of our letters to you. Share with us tips that have helped you before or if these have been of help. Have a lovely weekend ahead!

Love and light,

Brassed Crafts Team