Yes, with everything going on in the world it can be a hell of a challenge to stay present, pay attention and manage to end the day without feeling despondent.
You don't have to be non-functional or outwardly troubled to be struggling with despair.
You may read this and be encouraged that you're holding up okay, all things considered. You may read this and be surprised to realize it's exactly how you're feeling. Or you might read this and see that it's describing a friend or loved one.
How we may experience despair, and how we respond to or even recognize it, can vary:
- You feel like you're in a deep, dark pit and can't find the ladder.
- The idea of the future is laughable, if you could feel like laughing.
- It's taking more effort to convince yourself to get out of bed each day.
- You're isolating yourself more than usual.
- Watching or reading the news makes you feel hopeless.
- Daily tasks take longer and are harder to think through than usual.
- The world keeps turning, but it feels like you're watching rather than living in it.
If you need traditional support like one-on-one counseling or group therapy or other medical options — we encourage you to pursue them.
You can also make the most of what Perelandra has to offer. Start with what's do-able for you, add to it when you are ready, if you need more support.
If you would like to share Perelandra support with a loved one who is struggling, start with the simplest "good option" listed here.
If this is something you have struggled with over time and isn't just related to current world circumstances, this might help. It's a personal story from one of you who has been through the wringer and found "The Missing Link" when she turned her attention to the health of her microbes. Read about her experience: The Missing Link in Self-Help Programs