Navigating Fluctuations in Mental Health: From Happiness to Depression

Mental health can be an unpredictable journey, filled with ebbs and flows. While periods of sustained happiness are certainly desirable, life's challenges often hit us in ways that can evoke feelings of sadness. It's crucial to be mentally prepared for these moments and equipped with the right tools to navigate through them.

Breaking the Habit of Worry and Sorrow

Each individual may fall into the habit of worrying or feeling sad about various aspects of life. Reminding yourself that it's acceptable not to feel sad—a practice reinforced by neuroscience—can help break this habit. Over time, as these patterns are disrupted, your brain forms new neurons that protect against the formation of such negative habits. Eventually, you won't even be consciously aware of the urge to feel sad.

From a neurological perspective, simply telling yourself that it's okay not to feel sad can create a protective barrier. This barrier helps in breaking the cycle and allows you to deal with life's challenges more effectively.

Reprogramming Your Brain for Happiness

Over the past year, your brain may have gotten accustomed to a state of sadness and negativism. It's important to understand that rewiring your brain for happiness is a gradual process. Keep fighting negative thoughts with positive ones to accelerate this rewiring process.

I personally experienced a phase similar to this with my depression. I had wide mood swings, where depression was at its worst and the highs were barely noticeable, just an average person on a good day. Managing depression with medication helped to stabilize these fluctuations. Initially, taking antidepressants was challenging, as it made me question my identity. Many of the traits I attributed to my personality were actually treatable symptoms. The existential crisis was so profound that I wished to return to what I perceived as "normal."

Over time, I realized that while I still have these challenges, they are not constant anymore. Change can be stressful, even when it brings improvements. Sometimes longing for the past is natural, especially if you're living mostly in the present. Although the past self felt different, it's a normal and human reaction to wonder where that person went.

Conclusion

Mental health fluctuates, but with the right mindset and tools, you can navigate through these changes effectively. Remember, it's okay to feel a range of emotions, and building resilience through positive thinking and self-awareness can significantly improve your ability to cope with life's difficulties.