The Tragedy of Indifference

What's Indifference? 
We See It All Around Us
But What Can We Do?

Indifference is defined as such: 'lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.' One of the ways Doctors determine whether someone is depressed or not is with indifference. Are there things we used to enjoy doing but now don't bring us pleasure? Has sadness become such a common emotion that it feels natural? Are we numb? Do we feel anything at all? 

In many ways does this apply to those who struggle with depression. However, I feel the topic of indifference applies to everyone, not just those who struggle with depression. 

In my personal opinion, the range of human emotion and our ability to empathize are tools that guide us in our true purpose in life: Relationships.

There are 7.5 billion people in the world, and we interact with each other on a daily basis. One could avoid human contact and immerse oneself in nature... But there will always be something missing. For example...

Christopher McCandless was a man who left civilization to be in 'the most ancient of human conditions', hitchhiking his way across the United States and ending up in Alaska. He refers to this as his 'spiritual pilgrimage', and experiences tremendous joy upon self-reflecting throughout, even stating that relationships aren't necessary for happiness. What I find interesting is what he wrote in his final moments before dying: 

'Happiness is only real when shared'.

He recognized the power of relationships in that moment, and I interpret that as pure empathy. Empathy being 'the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.' To share the feelings of another. 

Whether it be in politics, religion, education, or work... We are constantly interacting with people, and we develop micro-relationships with each other. How we treat those relationships is everything. How we feel and share feelings is everything. 

Elie Wiesel has said,

 'The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.'

The structure of human existence is built on these relationships, and for every moment of indifference where we don't care, the structure is weakened. 

I have recognized in myself a level of indifference in regards to certain topics. It truly is a tragedy as all that could've been experienced is put aside with indifference. As trials are experienced by others and we are indifferent. Indifference towards the upcoming presidential election doesn't create blissful ignorance, but affects you, me, and the relationships of every individual in the country, as well as the world. 

My hope is that we will strive to have interest, concern, and sympathy in this life.

'Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.'
- Anthony J. D'Angelo

10 Lessons I've Recently Learned From Anxiety

Heartbeat is Racing
Not in the 'I'm in Love' Way
But Anxiety

I recently took a test to figure out the level of my anxiety and I discovered I scored double the amount that was considered 'severe'. I have grown accustomed to the way my body reacts when I'm anxious, so this was naturally surprising for me to discover. Although I have absolutely improved in managing depression and anxiety, it will always be something I need to work on. 

This has taught me several things:

1) Anxiety and depression isn't something to be cured, but managed. 

2) If it isn't managed, it can become debilitating and increase the effects of one another exponentially. 

3) We cannot use depression/ anxiety as an excuse for lacking.

4) If we feed depression/ anxiety with our excuses, it will grow from them. This doesn't mean to ignore it, but rather accept it as a part of ourselves and seek to get help with it.

5) Life can suck but that doesn't mean that we suck, or even that we can't experience the beauty available throughout all the world.

6) Recognize this as an opportunity to be humble and find strength in oneself as well as in a higher being. Humility can be a powerful source of strength, which differentiates from self-esteem.

7) I am grateful for my depression and anxiety. It teaches me the power of my mind and what can be accomplished through determination. I grow in humility, empathy, and compassion. 

8) My worth and value does not diminish with depression/ anxiety. Instead, it is masked by the darkness of my mind and body. 

9) We cannot overcome this alone.

10) Find times to express what we are grateful for and ponder them. This is the first step to having optimism.

I want others to know they aren't alone in their struggles, and that it is possible to be optimistic in depression/anxiety. That doesn't mean the struggle fades, or that we will always be optimistic. There will be times of darkness, where negativity surrounds us. It is simply my desire to share that hope is available to all who suffer. I am grateful for this life I have been given, and look forward to the great experiences this life has to offer.

'Men (and woman) are that they might have joy.'

More Than Shame

I am More Than Shame

What does this phrase mean to you?

Are you More Than Shame?

I haven't written in a long while.... In this time I have created and worked on a Nonprofit Organization called More Than Shame. My effort in putting this together was motivated by shame. Or rather, recognizing how debilitating shame is. 

Shame is an emotion we feel similar to guilt, however, it internalizes whatever it was that caused the shame. For example, we feel guilt when we do something wrong and we recognize the action as being wrong. With shame, we feel that there is something wrong with us. That the wrongness of our action is a pure reflection of who we are. It removes all confidence and hope for improvement.

I have met many people who experience what I do with depression and anxiety, and I am surprised at how often shame keeps them from getting the help they need. I say this not as though I am impervious to shame... I experience it very deeply and very often. It's scary to see how such an emotion can negatively impact someone in such a powerful way. 

I want people to feel confident in saying, 'I have depression, I have anxiety.' Recognize it as a part of who we are and accept it. It is my hope that we can build a community of support, hope, and love - that we can slowly eradicate the stigma associated with depression and anxiety with our examples. 

Get the help you need. Do not be afraid that others will judge you or think less of you, because your worth is not based on their opinions. I have felt that fear. I have feared that no one will love me. I have feared I am worthless. I encourage all to push past that fear and find hope in knowing that you are not alone. Miracles happen every day, even to those who struggle with a mental illness.

My organization isn't purely focused on depression and anxiety, but rather all things that inspire shame in a person. I believe that we can absolutely reach our full potential when we learn to manage the shame in our lives, accept who we are, and continue progressing in a manner that shows strength despite weakness.