Your past is not part of your present or your future.

Several months ago, I realized something. I'm not my past mistakes or regrets. Sometimes people with depression and anxiety ruminate over things they've done in the past. I realized this type of thinking doesn't serve me at all. So, I started focusing on all of the things that I've done in the past that are worthy and valued. What do you do to help yourself stay focused on the good you've accomplished and your worth?

[Hidden]

I too dwell on the past. Its like a tape that plays over and over with the same result: you can't change the past. With depression we tend to dwell on negatives and I find it very difficult to manage. I'm lost and trapped in this place most of the time. I do what I can but sometimes its just impossible. Please know that you"re not alone.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tom, just to address your last albeit thoughtful statement- I don't feel alone. I've overcome quite a bit of my "loneliness". There isn't any reason to change the past because it is done. So, revisiting the past is a moot point. Sorry to hear that you dwell on the negatives. I was just sharing that I don't. Re-read my post. I said " I don't dwell on the past."

[gogogirl]

I wonder if a little rumination also helps with learning from the past?

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

my response to this is- ruminating doesn't help you learn from the past. ruminating hurts and causes more guilt and shame. you don't need to ruminate in order to learn from your past. in my opinion, some people don't even own up to what they have done in the past. if you find you've learned from your past that's great- but ruminating is in my opinion not the way to go. i've dealt with a large amount of my demons and I'd like to celebrate more of what I've shared, accomplished, and been generous about. I'm also a believe that God and Christ forgave my sins and because of that, my past is forgiven.