Someone is Always in Your Corner

Sometimes depression creeps in when too much time is spent thinking about oneself. It’s like staring into a mirror until you can find a blemish. We all have blemishes and pimples. It’s a given. Being human we have imperfections. Trouble comes when we dwell on our shortcomings at the expense of everything else.

Too much, “Oh woe is me.” Other people have it equally tough. Perhaps sharing his or her burden is one way to pull oneself out of depression.

No one says it’s easy. But over the last few weeks, I posted what could be a way to start. Our own AAA – Become aware, then acknowledge, and finally appreciate other people.

The need for this has always been there. One of the earliest questions we learn – a first-generation question, was asked by Cain: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

One can picture God raising an eyebrow by way of an answer and then saying, “Boy, you better get out of Dodge real quick!” Or words to that effect.

There’s a need to strike a balance – self-care and care for the other. It’s not something that’s inherent; we’re not born with it. It has to be taught or learned. It comes easier for some than others. The schoolyard bully and braggart haven’t caught on. They need help otherwise asocial behavior can get out of hand and result in mass killings or insurrections. 

There are no easy ways to break out of depression. Otherwise, everyone would be going around with a big smiley face, and emojis would be a thing of the past. But there are a few things we can do to at least chip away at the walls that isolate us, walls hung with mirrors forcing us to only see ourselves.

Consider getting involved in a volunteer organization: a local meal program, school volunteer, humane society, Big Brother/Sister. Or if it’s too much of a challenge to work with others or too large a commitment of time, how about doing little things that no one notices – picking up litter, or smiling when you meet someone on the street. Both of these acts incorporate aspects of becoming aware, acknowledging, and appreciating. Think about it. It’s the outside world that we all share.

Slowly, ever so slowly, we can continue chipping away at the walls that isolate us one from the other. A shared burden is a lighter burden. Help is available. No one is meant to do this on their own.

And now 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

Here’s the link to the website.

We’re each other’s keepers. Someone is always in your corner.