Notes on Depression and Anxiety Class

Past:  Guilt comes from the past; regret, frustration, anger comes from guilt. If we constantly beat ourselves down, then we are spending our time in the past and we become depressed. When we are irrational or unreasonable, thinking about the future or anticipating bad outcomes, then we are stressed out and our anxiety rises. If there is baggage in the past, then we aren’t dealing with it. Instead, think about what you are going to do about it now, in order to close the gap and focus on what you can do. What we can control is the present. This is where we need to put our focus.  We can learn from the past, and a certain amount of anxiety helps us prepare for the future, but the present is where we take control and find peace. Present:  Reality exists here. The great motivator is love. “Some of the most authentic and real and lovable people I have ever met are spending their time in the present.”  How many of us have one plan, and when that fails, we bail or freak out?  A backcountry snowboarder Brother Manning has worked with planned his descent down the extremely steep mountain, but figured if his trail happened to create an avalanche he would change to his backup plan; and if that didn’t work, he had yet another plan. So there was no reason to be afraid since he gave himself options. We need to set goals, but they need to be good goals - the right goals – not outrageous goals. Set goals which are a little beyond our reach. These create some anxiety, but not so much that they overwhelm us. Set goals that we can do, and when we do better the result will take care of itself.  We need to set goals that stretch us, but not stress us.  A stressful goal creates fear and doubt.  We prepare for the future, but we live in the present. You can’t hear the Spirit when you are focused on guilt or fear, but you can hear the spirit in the present.  3 Ne 13:34, “take no thought for the morrow…sufficient is the day…” If we stay focused on the present, then there is no guilt or fear that can enter in—rather, you have a sense of control—because you are staying focused in the moment, in the present.  Future:  Fear. If you keep thinking about something in the future, anxiety is ruling your actions. Instead, if you focus on what you can do now in order to make that future change, you are doing and acting.  You are in the present dealing with reality not with what-if's. Summary:  Dwelling on the past is a source of guilt, anger, and/or depression.  Dwelling in the future is a source of fear or anxiety.  The present is reality and the place where we have control.  This is the place where we can be happy, at peace, and in tune with the spirit.  The past and future are good for review and for goal setting, but should not dominate our thoughts or limit our actions in the present.