What Comes First When We Are Depressed?

When we are down and sad and depressed, how do we even remember there are stars? How do we remember hope?

I wish I had a magic wand I could use when clients come in feeling this way. And honestly, most clients have already taken small, courageous steps to even make the call to me and to make their way to my office. 

So I wonder if I did have a magic wand, what would be changed, what magic would happen? 

Well, I think a sense of hope or hopefulness would be first. A feeling or belief that things can get better.  

Small joys: noticing the morning sun. The warmth of a cup of tea or coffee. The comfort and warmth of a bed.

What else? Being able to really hear the voices of loved one. The voices of familiar people even if it is on a favorite podcast like Fresh Air. 

Maybe a sense of smell would slowly return: coffee, toast, candles, lovely soap. Lavender? The smell of a favorite scarf or blanket?

Sight: really enjoying that morning sun, the trees, a vista from a window...the smiling face of loved ones. Friends. A beloved pet. 

I wonder if I have it backwards: if the senses must first 'kick in' with seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling and sensing before hope returns? What comes first: these small noticings or feeling hope? 

I don't know. I don't know how the magic happens. I do know that it does most of the time, whether it is the feeling or the senses that take over and begin to make small inroads into our depression and hopelessness.

If you are having a struggle, see if you can make a call to me for a free consultation. We can talk and you can decide where you are at, what you need. No pressure. Call or text 360-432-1236. I can help.