I remember reading The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. There are some points in that book that don't really resonate with me, but there is a lot that do. Something he wrote that does resonate with me, and that's why I remember it, is that you shouldn't do the techniques he teaches with the sole purpose of getting relief. Relief will come as a result of the techniques, but it's not a simple equation - do this and then you'll feel better. You shouldn't be monitoring yourself to see if you're feeling relief while you are practicing the techniques.
It's easy to make that mistake when you go through mental health issues because of course, you want relief. But relief, in itself, is not the answer. The answer is more about bringing meaning to your life - doing things that enhance your life. In my experience, obsessing and ruminating over the problem actually makes the problem worse.
It's difficult when you're really struggling - like, for example, with intense depression - and you do things that are meant to help e.g. exercising - but it doesn't really help. Sometimes when you're in mental pain, all of these things that are meant to help - like mindfulness, exercise, eating healthily, growing spiritually - they all seem like bandaids being applied to a serious wound.
Those things do help, but they're not a quick fix. If you consistently do things that help and affirm your life and reflect your values, you begin to heal. But it's a roundabout thing. The way to pursue healing is by consistently doing all of these things - making them into habits - and a healthier life grows out of that.
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