What do you do when you feel sad or overwhelmed by life?

1. 84

   oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years ago

   What do you do when you feel sad or overwhelmed by life?

   replyreport
2. 52

   michelegoldsteinposted 12 years ago

   I become present in the present and breathe deeply. Then I accept what I cannot control or make plans to change what I can.

   replyreport
3. 59

   Michel Gnonposted 12 years ago

   You ask yourself: who am I?  Am I who I think I am or am I living someone else script.
   Not to minimize depression or sadness, it is very crucial from the onset that we realize that we are the masters, the controllers of our thoughts.
   I am speaking so vehemently and so strongly because no one ever helped me to see that I am in CONTROL OF MY THOUGHTS.  Or I should say I have not learned that I am in control of my thoughts.  This is the starting point.  You are in control of your thoughts.  Your thoughts do not happen to you.  You choose what you think about.  Williams Ernest Henley helped me and the all of us in his poem Invictus: Invictus
   
   Out of the night that covers me,
   Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
   I thank whatever gods may be
   For my unconquerable soul.
   
   In the fell clutch of circumstance
   I have not winced nor cried aloud.
   Under the bludgeonings of chance
   My head is bloody, but unbowed.
   
   Beyond this place of wrath and tears
   Looms but the Horror of the shade,
   And yet the menace of the years
   Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
   
   It matters not how strait the gate,
   How charged with punishments the scroll.
   I am the master of my fate:
   I am the captain of my soul.
   William Ernest Henley
   No matter how we feel life overwhelms us, it is life that overwhelms us it is OUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT LIFE DOES TO US.  We are the thinkers of our thoughts.  As Gandhi said, nobody will hurt me without mt my permission, I will say no thought will hold me prisoner without my permission.

   replyreport
4. 92

   Sherry Hewinsposted 12 years ago

   I usually just go to bed and wallow in self-pity for a while. Then I get bored and get over it.

   replyreport
5. 89

   Pamela99posted 12 years ago

   When I am overwhelmed I try to break my life down into smaller manageable pieces by focusing on some aspect that is positive. I know most of the things I worry about never come to pass. If I am sad and cry, then that's okay also as it relieves the pressure, then I can move into a more positive frame of mind most of the time. Sometimes I call my best friend to vent- very helpful as she helps me put things into perspective. I also pray as I believe in the power of prayer, which always makes me feel better.

   replyreport
6. 79

   Dr Bill Tollefsonposted 12 years ago

   I go out and garden while thinking of all that I am grateful for.

   replyreport
7. 59

   My Nurse Saysposted 12 years ago

   I pray. Nothing beats confiding your sorrows, troubles and confusion to God. Eventually you'll get an answer, in the most unexpected and surprising ways. In my opinion, I love it because the answers that come your way will make you smile. That's God's sweet way of loving you and giving you His Love and Comfort and Direction.

   replyreport
8. 81

   sallieannluvslifeposted 12 years ago

   Why worry when you can Pray?!  Then I dive into a project to get my mind off the sad and onto something different and good....like picking weeds, walking my dog, texting my boys, baking a cake, watching my chickens - putting effort into something positive and trying to get my mind to focus on all the great blessings I do have.

   replyreport
9. 88

   cperuzziposted 12 years ago

   That is not an easy question to answer.  Everyone is different.
   
   Talking to a friend always is a good start.  Seeking professional help to resolve whatever issue you have works, too.
   
   Most people feel better when they have a plan to get out of whatever is causing the problems.  Depression happens when people don't have answers. 
   
   Depression can also be caused by physical and chemical imbalances.  If that is the case, a regimen of diet free from processed food and alcohol combined with exercise will provide the necessary endorphins to make you feel better.
   
   Then there is the obvious.  When you feel sad - cry.  Sometimes you just need to get it out.  Then talk to a loved one.

   replyreport
10. 60

    tammybarnetteposted 12 years ago

    I pray, but if anyone heard me they would say I was having a tantrum,lol. All I know is I have to get it out or it just might kill me, my Lord is the only one who can handle it:)

    replyreport
11. 0

    oceansiderposted 12 years ago

    I pray and ask God to strengthen me, to give me His peace and ask Him to put His arms around me, and I go to the Word of God - to my bible and read the scriptures.  God strengthens us through His Living Word and by His Holy Spirit.

    replyreport
12. 60

    MobyWhoposted 11 years ago

    Take a deep breath, then try to see what I can control and what I can't. Get the 'cans' out of the way first. The 'can'ts' usually involve other people. Again, some are easy to handle diplomatically, others not so. If being overwhelmed is affecting my sleep or relationship with my family, I seek professional help - knowing it can only go so far. That can help my perception of sadness, but cannot change external situations. There, I have to act, or 'shut up'.
    
    P.S. Invictus has been a favorite of mine for years!

    replyreport