Thursday 9 October 2014

By Jocelyn Davidson





Many people find living difficult because they face illness, deprivation, or low self-esteem. Understanding how to mitigate and resolve personal conflict in your life from addiction, chronic pain, and emotions is important when circumstances or inner turmoil rob life of pleasure and contentment.



In affluent societies, people grow up with certain expectations, especially if they are middle or upper class. They expect happiness, a high standard of living, and personal fulfillment. However, things don't always work this way, no matter the material advantages. Although people like this are pretty much guaranteed survival (unlike much of the world), they often find that life is hard. We all know the cliche: 'Poor little rich girl'.



Many suffer with depression even when they live in relative security. In contrast, the poorest people of Africa are known for their ability to rejoice in day-to-day blessings. This shows that another cliche is true: 'Money can't buy happiness'. Despair is real for those who feel it, no matter how their life looks from the outside. All must learn to cope with the stresses of daily life and with the emotional scars that few escape.



Counseling can help. Statistics show that disturbed children benefit from one hour a week of therapy. Just having someone listen to them and offer help makes a great difference. Adults benefit as well, from group sessions and from one on one interaction with a skilled therapist. Loneliness is very real for many. Having someone to talk to can help fill the need for human companionship.



Emotional damage is as harmful as physical injury or illness. Children may grow up with sexual, verbal, or physical abuse. School is often a difficult time for those overly shy, with disabilities, or simply not accepted by their peers. Parents may abandon or neglect children in favor of careers or social pursuits. The resulting low self-esteem can make people unable to accept challenging opportunities.



Therapy helps people accept the past and the way things are at present. This is the first step to coping with reality. Even though childhood dreams have not come true, there are others avenues to contentment. Those with terrible episodes in their past have to learn to function in spite of them. Each new day may be looked at as a gift rather than a burden, if the perspective changes.



Having a personal relationship with God brings many back from the brink of despair. Faith brings healing from the past, gives us the ability to forgive those who hurt us as well as ourselves, and fosters hope to face the future. We can learn to lean on divine strength when we have none of our own. It takes more than our own strength to throw off addictions, face pain and illness, and accept the challenges of daily life.



Unrelenting pain is a terrible burden, as are feelings of worthlessness or rejection. It's important for all to seek help, whether through a professional therapist, a pastor, or a close friend. There is help available, such as pain management, biofeedback, counseling, corporate worship, or joining others in charity work. Look for it.









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