This morning, a good friend and former girlfriend I've been keeping in touch with as we're supporting each other through some difficult times, in relation to my recounting the throes of depression I've found myself in lately, kindly convicted me about looking up and outward more in selflessness instead of self absorption.
Ouch, except that I knew it was meant with kindness and thus I could hear it. I tried to and did work on this in therapy, although results feel gossamer thin and ephemeral. Maybe it's like bathing - yes it's temporary and has to be done pretty frequently, but its worth it.
It hearkened me immediately back to a 3-part series of the most profoundly practical articles I've ever read in psychology, by Dr. Leon Seltzer. Two are below; and I'll find the third. They speak very well for themselves (probably because Dr. Seltzer's other PhD is in English).
I find practicing self acceptance and compassion a challenge (and I did not find reading Dr. Kristen Neff's original book on it helpful either); but I also know it is the path to human connection, which to me is what makes life worth living. I intend to come back and write more on the "how-to" of this for me later. My now friend, made only the specific recommendation to focus more on those she knew I really want to help anyway - my clients, friends, family and kids. Duh, but I so constantly get bogged down and lose site of it in distraction and rumination. It's helped me this morning do what I've needed to do.
Thus strangely, even while I still am in, or close to, the throes of suicidal depression, anxiety and dysfunction right now, being reminded in this fearsome tough love ability to be convicted without judgment and condemnation, as said former GF-turned friend--was able to do, is so very hopeful and helpful in ways that to me are nearly ineffable.
Depression from divorce 
Real Books on Loneliness, Are They Out There?
Depression Relapse...help?
In a dark place right now
Keep Feeling Like there is Nothing to Live for 
