When the past hinders your goals

[Mrspjsmom]

In therapy two of my goals are being more assertive and talking more to the people closest to me about my anxiety and depression. But my past constantly hinders those goals. Everyone still sees me as the person I was at my lowest point. I'm not that person anymore but feel like I have run into a wall as I try to reach my goals.

[Hidden]

Hi there! Are you able to somehow prove to them that you aren't that person any longer? Maybe by doing things that you haven't been able to do before?

[Mrspjsmom in reply to Hidden]

Many things I was doing were put on hold because of Covid. But even when I was doing them they seemed invisible to others.

[Hidden in reply to Mrspjsmom]

That must be tough; I'm sorry.

[Kkimm]

That sounds tough, perhaps all talking it through could help

[Mrspjsmom in reply to Kkimm]

I have tried talking. Explaining what is going on. Anytime I do what is best for me I get the silent treatment. Sometimes for weeks.

[Dolphin14]

When you say they " see" you as the same person what does that mean? What are they seeing?

[Mrspjsmom in reply to Dolphin14]

They are seeing someone unable to cope with anything because of severe depression. Someone who is not engaged.

[Sankissjuice in reply to Mrspjsmom]

I see you engaging here. In fact I see an optimistic person posting beautiful things. When I have doubt, I have to rely on others or positive self talk to get through. So, let's have faith together! We are whole and complete. We are being healed by Divine healing light with each breath.

[Mrspjsmom in reply to Sankissjuice]

Thank you. I love the idea of Divine healing light.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Mrspjsmom]

It's amazing to me they can't see the difference if you can. I think I would be angry about that. I would make a statement.

I'm doing better... stop treating me like that you aren't helping me.

Do you think in a way they are trying to protect you somehow? Not wanting to see another bad decline they are handling you delicately?

[Mrspjsmom in reply to Dolphin14]

Perhaps at times but it is very frustrating. I have worked very hard to get where I am now.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Yes you have. I think I would keep telling them that.Be firm with your statement. Tell them to stop looking at the old you and recognize your achievements

[Sankissjuice in reply to Mrspjsmom]

It's very tough for others who haven't had to deal with Major Depression and anxiety to truly relate or understand. So we have to forgive them and see that we are blessed to have our hearts open to being compassionate now that we know how it feels like.

Every baby step is a huge achievement. You posting a photo of the lovely snow is huge, in my opinion. Today my huge achievement was I went out for a jog after laying in bed all day, struck by anxiety. I did some gardening too. Tomorrow I hope to go out jogging in the morning.

[Sankissjuice]

I started doing homa therapy (fire 🔥 therapy). See if it may be something that you are interested to try. agnihotra.org