Deliberately tapping in to depression in a functional way?
Hi there. This may sound like an odd idea, but to put it in the easiest of terms I'll ask my question simply first and then in a more creative way.
Does anyone have tips for handling depression at the highest functioning way? To genuinely accept it and yet still "move" and make waves through the whirled at-large without unhealthily denying it? To have "high-functioning sadness", as it were?
The reason I ask is because I consider emotions, all of them, to be as fuel we have an urgent animal-species-wide need to master. I realize I have taken this as a veritable so-called "religious" lifestyle all my life, and am built exceptionally for it. I'm also convinced that depression is a good thing -- though is not good to "pursue" when it isn't otherwise already there -- because it is our impeccable body wisdom's/nervous system's way of regulating itself under intense duress. There is something extremely useful about it (when naturally there) because it compels us to wisely refuse to "forget" that we need deep rest. Therefore, I believe it would be very useful to sort of keep some semblance of it (say, a mnuemonic device) of its ongoing existence and the need for an ongoing relationship with it. I theorize that this might be pragmatically useful to keep me remembering what is important during those times I am in a brighter mood, but might not be as inclined to conduct myself with as much importance consciously placed on A) maintaining sufficient deep rest, B) thoughtfully identifying and avoiding experiences and actions which would only increase my future need for deep rest, and C) doing both of those things like a MFing boss and achieving my high worldly aims. And for bonus points, even D) achieving those aims because of (a healthy relationship with) depression, not in spite of it.
If you like the cut of my water-bearing grand-water-trine jive, and appreciate my perspective on usefully trying to appreciate depression -- though without wasting my time in the emotional-fractal rabbit hole it can be -- as I pursue high-level goal determination, your input would be like manna to me.
Thanx for reading and expending your valuable attention on these words.
@GentlyHarsh
Hi! It doesn't sound odd to me. 🤗
You might like to explore IFS - Internal Family Systems, or 'parts work'. They talk about how every part of ourselves we create to fulfill some sort of important role.
I agree that denial is unhealthy. I find conscious breathing and journalling both very helpful for handling difficult emotions/feelings with acceptance, or at least acknowledgement and presence. I want to avoid the emotion but when I accept and be present with it is usually passes quite quickly, and I can see what is underneath it. Much like when you stand on the beach and just let waves wash up over your feet and then they disappear again. We can run away or try to fight it but just standing there it isn't so bad to get our feet wet. Use your judgement though, for some people some waves might be too big to handle alone, and a supportive counsellor/therapist can be invaluable here.
