top of page
Search
Writer's pictureRev. James Trapp

Four Ways to Help You Get Through Emotionally Down Moments



It’s not unusual for people to have emotionally down moments. As a result of the challenges many of us have faced, and some continue to face because of the past year's Covid-19 pandemic, more people than average have experienced mental, emotional, and psychological letdowns.


But we are resilient and have an innate capacity to bounce back. Plus, as a result of recent progress to combat the virus, while we’re not totally out of the woods, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope as we take a turn for the better. Plus, despite external circumstances, there is positive action we can take that will accelerate the process of getting through those down moments. Here are four to consider:


1. Realize that how you see a particular situation determines what it is for you. Genesis (1:26) reminds us we can name things. Among other things, it tells us we have dominion over the thoughts moving through our awareness, and the perceptions we have about life. These perceptions determine what our mental states will be. We are "meaning makers." As a result, we can make meaning out of any situation and induce a more favorable state of mind. That state of mind ultimately becomes our experience, and this is what prayer can do for us. As Ralph Waldo Emerson noted, "Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view."


2. Activate your body. There is an inherent connection between our body and our mind. Our mind affects what our body does, how it breathes, its posture, how it moves, and even the environment. One person let me know that changing their posture, breathing deeply, and going out for a long walk helped change their emotional state for the better.


3. Stop wallowing in complaints. Rather than simply indulging in fault-finding, those who rise above emotional down moments see complaints as seeds for transformation. Our main complaints tell us what we believe. If we boil down the gripes, they help identify a dis-empowering belief, and we can transform that belief into a positive affirmation. Rather than saying, "change this situation or these people," they say, "God, open my eyes so that I may see the benefit or lesson in this experience." As a result, insights occur, so they see themselves, the situation, and others from a "God's eye view."


4. Find someone to help. No matter how challenging our circumstances, there is always someone else who is worse off. When we can assist such a person in uplifting their life, they benefit, but so does the helper. Studies have shown that helping others makes the supporter happier and healthier by building a connection. The support can be as simple as a phone call and sharing an encouraging word. Such action will do wonders to help anyone rise above his or her challenges.


We’ll have moments when we’re down in the dumps. However, we can take solace in the statement, "This too shall pass." It is a reminder of the temporary nature of the human condition. In the meantime, we can try one or more of the above strategies to help in their passing.


Peace and Blessings,

James




177 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page