We’re living in a time in which war, a lingering pandemic, and a seeming sea of interconnected global challenges can create a sense of both inner and outer crisis. We might find ourselves struggling desperately to make sense of things as our old ways don’t seem to work any longer. Whose words and what facts to trust? What to do? Perhaps I can help.
First it needs to be said that, if you are suffering from an acute personal crisis, and by that I mean especially that you ruminate on hurting yourself or others, then you need to find a person close to you who can help. This can be a doctor or therapist, or a trusted friend. Telehealth, as it is offered here, really won’t suffice in this situation. If you need immediate help and you’re in the US, call 911, or search online for a local counselor who you can visit in person. This is very important.
What I can do as a counselor and coach is to help in those cases when it is not so immediately threatening, but you feel lost about your place in the world and what your life is for. The problem can seem inner, something wrong with me—or it can seem outer, something wrong with the world or how it seems to be evolving. This is especially pertinent today.
If we stay stuck in helplessness, it can result in the disconnected, desolate experience of depression or the panicky experience of existential anxiety. The mind then ruminates on terror about the future, or loss, tragedy, missed opportunities and mistakes, guilt and shame. It can feel helpless, hopeless, and unending.
In my experience with clients, healing from depression, existential anxiety, and such crises often involves both shifting one’s view of life, as well as a return to one’s natural spring of energy. Finding this inner spring can be challenging, and from the point of view of depression, it might seem impossible. It might seem that, given the world as it is, it should be impossible to feel good or accept the world as it is. But that is not true. People in crisis benefit from deep listening and the patience to follow the truth where it leads. I feel honored to listen at these times and encourage you to call.