Depression is probably the most common emotional health issue in our society. It’s hard to turn on the TV without seeing an advertisement for a new cure for depression. Media stories often explain the tragedy of suicide by describing a struggle with depression. And we also hear stories about what life is like when depression is treated successfully – it often looks like bliss. Dejected sufferers are now suddenly carefree. The first message here is that depression is a terrible feeling that shows up, wrecks the place and refuses to leave, like some nightmare party guest. The second message is that in order to get on with your life, you will first have to get rid of the depression. You’ve probably already tried many different strategies to get this particular guest to pack up and go.
Let’s imagine that your mind is a giant store. Since this store is your mind, you’re the only customer. Oh, and you also have virtually unlimited money! All the merchandise in the store symbolizes your thoughts, emotions, memories, urges, etc.—everything that goes on in your mind. Some of the merchandise you like, some you don’t….
What if you’re on the Titanic? Some people might suggest moving the deck chairs around. What would be a better approach? Steer better? Get off the boat completely?
The Cold Shower Based on a metaphor submitted to ACBS by Sarah McCormack You are thinking of taking a shower but you discover there is no hot water: If you had the choice to have a cold shower…or not to, you might choose not to. Because it’s cold, it’d be uncomfortable, you could do without…
The Jigsaw Piece Based on a metaphor submitted to ACBS by pachester When an unwanted or distressing thought arises, I try seeing it on a jigsaw piece. My jigsaw has many pieces, each representing the many different aspects of myself and my experience. I see the jigsaw piece with my thought on it as it finds its allotted place…
The Magical Bank Based on a metaphor submitted to ACBS by drclairemilligan $86,400 — Something To Think About! Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules, just as any game has certain rules….
The Riptide Based on a metaphor submitted to ACBS by kcd1961 Sometimes life is like swimming at the beach. We launch headlong into life expecting to have a fun, relaxing and refreshing time. People ply us with good advice: “Don’t forget the sunscreen”. “Swim between the flags”. “Stay out of the water for 30 minutes…
Mosquitos with Megaphones Based on a metaphor submitted to ACBS by melwright Sometimes it seems almost impossible to sit with our feelings. I’d like you to imagine something that might help you understand what I mean about “making room” for your experiences, or accepting them. Would that be alright? Now imagine you are walking home…
Clean Pain, Dirty Pain Nobody likes pain. It makes sense that we make every attempt to avoid it or make it go away. But why do some of us seem to have less of it than others? It may be helpful to sort our pain into two types: clean pain and dirty pain. It seems…