dDo you think your life couldn’t be worse than it is now? “Damn, I’m depressed, anxious, angry and out of sync. I mean, I’m miserable.” Maybe it’s time to take a look at 10 things to consider when life becomes unbearable.
Choosing to engage in unhealthy coping activities (we all have our favorite list) will only intensify and prolong your misery.
Am I quoting you?
Lord knows the words have come out of my mouth more times than I can count.
So that’s the current situation. And your misery is likely to leave you feeling hopelessly and eternally trapped, with no means of escape.
Well, what are you going to do about it?
Hack it or believe you can’t
When it comes to dealing with this particular “terrain,” we both know that you have many options, good and bad.
Unfortunately, many of us find it difficult to allow reason to govern when the temperature rises, which can lead to some unpleasant results.
But ultimately, no two minds are the same: some can make the necessary adjustments, others mistakenly believe they can’t.
Either way, it’s all about smart choice and using coping mechanisms, never forgetting the power of the unhealthy.
10 things to consider when life becomes unbearable
“Okay, this is unbearable and it sucks. But there have to be adjustments you can make – reasoned considerations.”
Well, enough of the introduction, let’s get to the point. Here are 10 things to consider when life becomes unbearable…
- You’re probably thinking that your misery is a long-term deal. I bet it doesn’t last as long as you think.
- Not only is the duration likely to be shorter, but the severity of your circumstance is probably not as bad as you perceive. And I’m not minimizing your suffering.
- Chances are, you’ve endured equal (or worse) miseries over the years and emerged stronger and more resilient (whether you realize it or not).
- Choosing to engage in unhealthy coping activities (we all have our favorite list) will only intensify and prolong your misery.
- An important and lasting learning opportunity has presented itself here and right now. Slow down, get out of crisis mode, accept it and pursue it.
- Getting into bed and covering your head with the blankets may be safe and save time, but it doesn’t solve anything.
- Complaining will get you nowhere. But an intimate chat with someone you trust is a great idea.
- Where does it say that life won’t have its unbearable moments? (And where does it say you can’t stand them?)
- You are asked to face a situation that is totally outside your comfort zone. It’s okay, you can handle it. Take a step forward, be creative, and feel good about expanding that comfort zone.
- Whether you like it or not, what you are enduring is present and real. The only thing that matters is what you are going to do about it, as you continue to move forward with your life.
- Bonus #11: Never forget how good we are at negative self-talk and cognitive distortions (catastrophizing, overgeneralization, etc.). If we want to progress, we must take into account our default values.
So what do you think? Can you hold on to a handful? And I’m sure you can think of more. Go ahead and share in a comment.
Believe in yourself and get to work
Life can be unbearable – right now – can’t it? Depression, anxiety, anger, feeling out of sync and many more miseries. They show no mercy.
But you can change your life, yes, if you are willing to believe in yourself and put in the work.
Those inspirational and informative articles from Chipur – review all titles or by category below.
After a decades-long battle with panic, generalized anxiety, mood swings and alcohol dependence; Bill finally found his life’s passion and work: lending a hand to those in the same boat. At age 49 he entered graduate school and earned his counseling credentials. And he continues his service through Chipur and other projects.
