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Depression and Ways to Live with It
- Alicemarie O'Neil
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Welcome to “Healing From Within” with your host Sheryl Glick author of The Living Spirit Answers for Healing and Infinite Love which shares stories of spiritual awakening spiritual communication healing energies and miracles along with ways to discover your intuition and to use it for creating a healthy prosperous joyful life experience. Today Sheryl is delighted to welcome Alicemarie O’Neill author of The Formula 7 Steps for Healing From Depression which offers ways to recognize and manage the imbalance. seven steps for healing from depression and manic depression as well as bipolar disorder. All illness is simply an imbalance in the body mind or spirit and can be brought into alignment with our creative force of life for having a more positive life experience.
As listeners of “Healing From Within” are well aware Sheryl and her guests share intimate stories of metaphysical events or awareness of the fact we are more than our physical bodies and are indeed infinite soul beings gathering experiences in this three dimensional physical life to simply remember the magnificent potential we have to create extraordinary lives with our thoughts actions and a higher awareness or consciousness of Universal Energy that we are all derived from and connected to.
In today’s episode of “Healing From Within” Alicemarie O’Neill will help us realize that most humans are challenged by either an emotional physical or spiritual concern and it is not that we are completely creating that scenario with our fears and our intentions, but may have brought the challenge in along with our soul’s journey into this life. In becoming aware first and foremost we allow ourselves to begin to look for answers and solutions so we may move from fear and dysfunction to positivity happiness and help refine our soul essence. Depression is indeed a challenging and commanding issue to deal with and understanding the nuances and mood swings are imperative to really becoming aware of what you or a family member may be experiencing and feeling during different cycles.
When Alicemarie is asked to think back to her childhood and remember a person place or event that may have been meaningful to her she shares a poignant and difficult memory. Alicemarie’s younger brother was born with a hole in his heart and was one of the first children to undergo open heart surgery a very new process at that time. Alicemarie’s mother who she says was quite religious prayed and told God that if her son could live she would dress him in brown every day in honor of St. Frances who she had great love for. Indeed the boy survived for ten years and then developed leukemia and passed. Alicemarie and Sheryl chose to see the miracle that his mother’s prayers had created a miracle and he had ten years with them rather than see the loss. AS many of us know we all have a time to be here in life and then a time to be in life beyond and as spiritual beings are always creating and living in the energy of the Divine so nothing is lost just transmuted and changed to adapt to other forms of living.
Alicemarie and Sheryl go on to discuss suicides which are rising at an alarming rate in the US due to many factors including depression mental illness and the fast moving technological life style that is creating many disconnections from our gentler soul based reality. Examples of celebrities such Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade, Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, Alexander McQueen, as well as young people teenagers alert us to look at the conditions that made life unbearable for them and discover ways to help people who suffer from depression and a disconnect from themselves and others to find relief when possible.
Alicemarie shares with us that In college, her primary fields of study were criminology and sociology, and her degree included a minor in psychology. There, she discovered she was a natural counselor and began working as a mental health counselor. It was work she loved and did well, using her degree and unique spiritual sensitivities and experience to help others. In 1989, she began learning alternative forms of counseling that included astrology and embraced spiritual counseling. Highly personalized, these forms provided direction with healing. For the past twenty-five years, Alicemarie has been practicing as an astrologer and spiritual counselor. Sheryl as listeners know is an energy healing Reiki Master Teacher and medium who uses an understanding of ancient eastern alternative methods including the ancient forms of understanding that every living thing and planet has a vibration and energy and utilizing what is needed calms invigorates or causes other emotional states. Learning to feel and use energy wisely is the key to health prosperity and happiness.
Alicemarie shares her recovery and insights along the way. More than that, the real purpose of The Formula is to offer a proven healing approach to those who suffer depression or manic depression. Alicemarie hopes to encourage a conversation that explores the connection between depression or manic depression and awakening consciousness. In her experience, depression is sorely misunderstood while manic depression has become the “flavor of the day.” Yet neither is seen for what it truly is: a suffering of the spirit and a struggle to expand consciously. Alicemarie’s sincere desire is for her book to serve those dealing with depression or manic depression and she does that in a way that is most concise accurate and offers workable techniques. Those who would benefit the most from the tried-and true method she presents need only implement it to see results. As one who has been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and suffered from repeated episodes of the illness, Alicemarie takes liberties sharing her experiences through the illness, as well as with the vital recovery process in her book. She speaks about the illness through her eyes and experience, knowing we all have different experiences with mood disorders. Some people cycle within days; others, seasonally. My cycles lasted more than a year in some cases. It is the recovery that’s important here.
Alicemarie offers seven steps for healing from depression and manic depression and or bipolar disorder. Like all suggestions some may benefit more than others as the situations and problems are always unique and of course we recommend you have medical assistance and group or individual therapy and also energy healing sessions..all work in tandem to find unique cures for our specialized reactions to life.
This is exactly what The Formula offers. These are the seven steps which must be realized and incorporated into your unique healing plan.
Step one is stabilization. Whether we use traditional medication, alternative supplements, therapy, or Eastern medical traditions, it is vital that we stabilize. If we are seeing a psychiatrist or medical doctor (or both), it is important to achieve the proper combination of medications. If we choose a naturopath or alternative therapist, we must make sure our supplements or therapies work for us. If we don’t stabilize, we won’t glean the real value of the other tools in Th e Formula. We can use mental alchemy, but it is much more difficult without stabilization. We can use meditation, but the motivation to do so comes with great difficulty. If we do not stabilize, we put ourselves in great danger. I have counseled many people with mental health issues or active mental illness. I have tried to work with clients who refuse medication. I find that those who stabilize with medication or supplements or a combination thereof are ready for the next step. Their focus is sharp, and their reasoning abilities are keen. Those who refuse medication continue to do the same things over and over again, and nothing works. The help is available, but we must have the courage to reach out and accept it.
Step two is empowered thinking. When we experience depression, we feel deflated, and our thoughts reflect this. How many times do our thoughts berate us? How often do our thoughts encourage us? Replacing discordant, inharmonious, negative thoughts with harmonious, encouraging, positive thoughts is empowering. This is the ancient art known as mental alchemy. Mental alchemy has been practiced successfully for thousands of years. Affirmations can be an aspect of this practice and are used to change thoughts from disabling to facilitating, from self-defeating to energizing. Inspiring affirmations assist us in transforming our thoughts. Mental alchemy calls for alchemical actions: that is, empowering thoughts made active. Counseling and therapy are included in this step, for they also work with our thoughts. Th ere are various forms of therapy that are interesting and successful. Talk therapy is the most common form of psychotherapy, but we will examine other forms as well. Counseling and therapy can be vital components of our healing journey and can be used long-term or for short periods, but they are not for everyone. The other tools set forth in this book provide a basis for making informed decisions about therapy.
Step three is mental and emotional exercises. This step provides enjoyable exercises that stretch and work the mind. Reading may seem like an easy task, but when the ability to focus and concentrate is limited by mania or depression, reading can be a major chore. After psychosis, having presence of mind seems to be a huge undertaking. We will examine ways to increase focus and concentration. These proven methods exercise the mind to reap major benefits.
Step four is the physical world. We address proper diet and exercise, grooming, and sleep. We open up to the natural world and its many healing attributes. We begin to take our place as part of this natural world, and we find healing practices throughout. When we feel like a part of something— in this case the world of nature—feelings of isolation and despair dissipate. We’ll examine just how this can come about.
Step five is routines and responsibilities. Although these can aid in our healing, they are oft en the first to be neglected when depression or maniagains a hold on us. They are also vital to recovery. Routines can take the form of rituals, which have a powerful and positive effect on the spirit. We are creatures of habit; whatever we do habitually will work to either our benefit or our detriment. We’ll look at these areas of life and make them positive, healing sources of pride. Accountability is also included in this step. We are accountable for our behavior. When we are ill—depressed or manic—we oft en do not connect with our behavior. It can feel distant, like we’re viewing someone else. Because we are oft en disconnected from our actions, we might not take responsibility for them, or we might diminish our own culpability. In this step, we examine our behavior. We work with accountability, recognizing its importance in our healing journey.
Step six is social contacts. These are our relationships with family and friends. Chances are, whenever we are depressed or manic, our families suffer right along with us. Oft en they want to help but feel powerless. Usually they do not understand our illness, and they cannot appreciate our torment. Family and friends learn to keep their distance from us when we are depressed or manic. These extreme moods frighten them. That which we do not understand oft en frightens us, and this is true for everyone. We also want distance from loved ones when we are depressed because being in a social setting can be exhausting. Socializing and any attempt at conversation can require great
effort. We prefer our own company to that of others, yet we are uncomfortable with ourselves as well. Since we don’t have the inclination or the will to engage in conversation, we keep to ourselves. Making the effort to turn this around—just a wee bit at a time—is one of the most worthwhile activities we can undertake. It is important to remember that what is necessary is healing, and action is required. If we have a pet, we might neglect its care, depending on the depth of our illness. During deep depression, many of us still reach out to our dog or cat. Pets provide special relationships in our lives. They know only unconditional love. They don’t judge us, and we don’t need to give them long, detailed explanations of our behavior. Our animal companions are simply happy to see us each and every time we walk through the door. Because they are so sensitive to us, they give affection freely. They are little healers.
Step seven is mindfulness and meditation. This step is for our long term wellness and addresses both mind and spirit. It can begin at any stage of our recovery, but the sooner we move into the practices of mindfulness and meditation, the quicker we reap the marvelous benefits. The practice of mindfulness helps us be in the moment. With mania, we are oft en fixated on the future, and with depression, we are stuck in the past. Neither does us any good, for it is in the present, the here and now, that our recovery takes place. We also explore the various forms of meditation. Meditation is its own reward. It is the practice of quieting our minds. With time, meditation gives us peace of mind that has lasting effects. (It is the only practice I have found to soothe my busy mind, which is a huge endorsement of the practice.)
There are several different approaches for treatment-resistant depression, including brain stimulation therapies. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most widely known, and NIMH says it’s the most researched stimulation therapy with the longest use history. Other stimulation therapies include vagus nerve stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, and deep brain stimulation. They are considered to be newer and more experimental methods. Other unconventional methods for treating depression include hallucinogenic, or “magic,” mushrooms. They were popular in the 1960s but outlawed in 1968. The psychoactive qualities of the mushrooms have a direct effect on consciousness. It is clear that the brain is highly complex. How we experience depression has individual characteristics. How we respond to treatment is uniquely personal, as well. Those who suffer from it share certain features of the disorder, but it’s important to be somewhat experimental with treatment options. Any approach to treating depression and manic depression needs to encompass several disciplines. In other words, it must be holistic: the whole person must be treated, from thought processes to personal care, and from adjusting thinking patterns to building mental muscle.
Alicemarie writes, “We live in exciting times. The energy both thrills and terrifies, and time races. Change is swift , and customs and traditions no longer dictate our behavior. Technology seems to be an Olympic event as more sophisticated gadgets hit store shelves in rapid succession. Time-honored institutions are transforming, while the enormous cost of education makes it less accessible than ever before. Communications are instantaneous as that etheric world, the Internet, clamors for our attention and challenges us just to keep up with its pace. A time such as this is not for the faint of heart. In the midst of all this change, we fi nd ourselves participants in and witnesses to the next step of human growth. We seem to be evolving as a species. The planet is evolving too, its trajectory probably attributable in some measure to our self-centered tenancy on Earth. We don’t have a choice in the nature of these changes. Our growth is one of expanding consciousness. It’s happening worldwide, and no one is immune. If we don’t become more self-aware, more consciously awake, we won’t survive the shift ing evolutionary winds. Our survival depends on expanding our consciousness beyond the limited perspectives we currently holding. We must survive the turbulence of personal breakdown much the way the world must survive the changes we are experiencing. This is what we are experiencing in the first decades of the twenty-first century. History contains myriad examples of groups who resisted change, and now it almost seems as if society is attempting to reverse course. The fringe seek to disrupt rather than problem-solve. Questions persist that are not yet taken seriously: Do we want to survive and thrive, or do we want to destroy ourselves?”
You might wonder what depression and manic depression have to do with all of this. Become aware that, as we evolve in consciousness, we see substantial increases in depression and manic depression. The numbers are climbing among all age groups, and as we grow older, our likelihood of experiencing depression increases. Studies show that many people who suffer from depression or manic depression are among our best and brightest. These sensitive, creative individuals have much to contribute, but society loses out on their gift s because they lose hope. These gifted people have a great deal to offer, but their illness can drive them to despair and self-destructive behavior.
Alicemarie’s interest in the indigenous cultures intrigued Sheryl as she has recognized that our connection to our Universal Ancestors and remembrance of our destiny as evolving spiritual/human beings is a complex reality and we must learn to balance our spirit with our bodies and the physical planet. Different cultures take varying approaches in dealing with mental illness. In indigenous cultures, the mentally ill are not ostracized as in Western culture. Rather, they are mentored and taught to use their creativity and sensitivity in service to others. Indigenous cultures have considered shaman as their spiritual leaders and healers for thousands of years. The shamanic tradition continues to this day in many areas of the world, including North America. The shamanic method in some cultures considers a person who suffers from mental illness to be in a spiritual rather than psychological condition. Those who develop mental disorders are those who are sensitive. Western culture views sensitivity as oversensitivity. Indigenous cultures don’t see sensitivity that way and, as a result, sensitive people don’t experience themselves as overly sensitive. In the West, “It’s the overload of the culture they’re in that is just wrecking them,” observes Dr. Somé. The frenetic pace, the bombardment of the senses, and the violent energy that characterizes Western culture can overwhelm sensitive people.”
People in the West feel uncomfortable with mental illness. We don’t understand it and don’t know how to deal with it, so we often shun those who suffer from illnesses or disorders of the mind. Yet how would we treat the depressed and manic-depressive differently if we saw their disorders as a part of the process of the evolution of consciousness (which is a spiritual occurrence)? How could we stigmatize those who are having a difficult time breaking through the boundaries of the old paradigm?
Where are you in terms of your attitude and especially your moods? This question can help you pinpoint the answer.
- You have anxiety that makes you feel as if you’re drowning on dry land.
- Your life circumstances seem hopeless.
- It’s difficult to get out of bed in the morning, or alternatively, you have problems sleeping (you can’t fall asleep, or you regularly wake when you don’t want to).
- Every activity feels like it is a major effort.
- You have lost your energy and feel helpless.
- You have lost interest in sexual activities.
- Your appetite for food is either gone or insatiable.
- You feel as if you are in a dark tunnel with no light in sight.
- You have lost your joy in living.
- You feel as if this will never end or your life will never improve.
- You have an overall feeling of worthlessness.
- You are using alcohol or street drugs to medicate or “even out” your mood.
- You are contemplating ending it all.
If the majority of these characteristics apply to you, you are likely depressed. You might feel that you have tried plenty of treatments, medications, or both, and still find yourself in this place of desperation. The good news is that there’s real hope. You can be treated, and there’s a formula for recovery.
On the opposite side of that coin, the following characteristics can indicate a parallel mood disorder:
- You feel euphoric.
- You believe you have superior abilities even though you might have no training.
- You are not sleeping, or you sleep little and fitfully.
- Your speech is rapid, and you talk nonstop.
- You have lost your appetite for food.
- You are hypersexual.
- You indiscriminately spend large amounts of money.
- You are easily irritated.
- You use alcohol or street drugs to slow down.
State of Mental Health in America. If you think you are unipolar or bipolar, you are not alone. Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness2 provide a sobering picture of the state of mental health for American adults.
They include:
- 6.9 percent, or 16 million, live with major depression.
- 2.6 percent, or 1.6 million, live with bipolar disorder (manic depression).
- 18.1 percent, or 42 million, live with anxiety disorders, which are often experienced in tandem with major depression and bipolar disorder.
- Approximately 8.4 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.
- Approximately 26 percent of homeless adults in shelters live with serious mental illness. In addition, the U.S. Justice Department reports that 24 percent of state prisoners have had histories of a mental health condition.
In our Western culture, depression and manic depression are considered mental illnesses. They affect our behavior toward ourselves and others, and they make life difficult. We can be indecisive or make uncharacteristic choices. Our sense of ourselves is dark and pessimistic.
How to find the gift in the complexity of the challenge of depression.
Alicemarie writes, “Our minds and spirits are constructed of marvelous features. The mind enables existence and operational maneuvering through life; the spirit provides the incentive for living. In addition, the spirit gives us meaning while the mind provides reason and direction for that meaning. When they operate properly, we hum along in a united, healthy manner. When there is discord within or between them, nothing operates well. If one is affected, both are affected, for they are a team. Mind and spirit complement and rely on each other for success. It’s not necessary to have a particular belief system regarding spirit, for spirit operates whether or not we believe in it. Spirit provides the breath of life.”
Sheryl shares a thought that many are unable perhaps to realize: that it is working in a balanced way with our intuitive guidance soul essence that allows us to maneuver the world and find the best way to live in harmony and peace and a state of calm to monitor our energy so we are not overwhelmed by the needs of the outside world, but focus on self-investigation and the journey of the soul which is what life in a three dimensional world is really about.
Alicemarie also writes about individualist thoughts which can either be greatly rewarding or challenging depending on how we use them and wrote, “This group of thoughts expresses originality, independence, freedom, and inventiveness. These are the thoughts that question authority and rebel against unreasonable restrictions in our lives. Individualistic thoughts provide the impetus for change, embracing the new and innovative. They are higher expressions of intellectual thoughts. On the positive side, individualistic thoughts can give a person a magnetic personality, an adventurous spirit, and a highly intuitive mind. However, when individualistic thoughts become discordant or inharmonious, we can attract people who are less than pleasant into our lives. These might be friends or relatives who don’t act in our best interest, yet profess their loyalty and concern. We sabotage ourselves when individualistic thoughts conflict. We might see ourselves as isolated, alone, or misfits, becoming recluses or misunderstood loners. Or we can set ourselves apart from others and think we are superior. Whenever we see ourselves as exceptions rather than as parts of the whole, we set ourselves up for a fall. When we’re depressed, we feel completely alone. We isolate ourselves because we think we’re unfit company, and we don’t have the energy or inclination to be social. We might believe we’re the only ones in such pain and get caught in the victim mentality. By acting that way, we attract more of that energy to us.
Alicemarie and Sheryl discuss moving beyond the debilitating energies of shame and grief which are so prevalent in our society.
Sheryl would say, “ Shame grief suffering like any other negative feeling exists if you allow yourself to stay in that energy. There are so many emotions to feel and that is the purpose of a physical life for a soul to feel all of the emotions and to move through them like water flows from one level to another barely stopping unless blocked by an obstacle which inserts itself into the natural progression. By remembering the light and love as your true soul nature you can choose not to engage the shame others try to impose on you realizing that if you try your best you have already succeeded in conquering the fears that others try to bring you into. You can recognize those states but also you can choose to turn away from staying in that story choosing to create a new reality that brims with happiness and joy.
In Sheryl’s book The Living Spirit in reference to this she wrote, ‘We should aim to become a person who doesn’t find fault in others, moving past personal obstacles with courage, hope and faith to find peace. Be free of any influence of others that take that state of mind-peace away from you. Recognizing another avenue for finding happiness is possible when we finally admit, “Not only are we not perfect, no one is perfect.” We must continue to learn what makes us tick, and what makes others react as they do, but should acknowledge that we can only change ourselves and our outdated thinking by realizing we are responsible for our own actions. The choice to accept others and ourselves with our frailties and sometimes negative behaviors can be hard, yet it is necessary in order to have times when we feel like we are on cloud 9.”
Alicemarie mentions PTSD can be treated much like depression manic depression or bi-polar illness and it is a condition that has to do with any traumatizing event: abuse of any kind and not merely related to conditions affecting soldiers in war. Therapy comes in many forms. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, teaches strategies and tools for coping with mental illnesses. Among the types of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes in the following terms: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a blend of two therapies: cognitive therapy (CT) and behavioral therapy. CT was developed by psychotherapist Aaron Beck, MD, in the 1960s. CT focuses on a person’s thoughts and beliefs and how they influence a person’s mood and actions, and aims to change a person’s thinking to be more adaptive and healthy. Behavioral therapy focuses on a person’s actions and aims to change unhealthy behavior patterns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness in dealing with mild to moderate depression, according to the NIH website. In addition to therapy, severe depression may require medications, and bipolar disorder calls for a mood stabilizer.
Other therapies include dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, family-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and light therapy. Art therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and play therapy also can be used in tandem with traditional forms.
Group therapy can be especially beneficial. When we feel depressed, it’s comforting to know we aren’t alone. Good friendships might form as a result of group therapy. From these numerous options, the client and doctor can determine the proper therapeutic approach, whether that is a singular form or a combination.
When we are in a depressive episode or a relapse, our thoughts are tinged with darkness. Everything appears cloudy. We tend to obsess on defeatist thoughts over and over again. In a manic episode, our thoughts can be clear and optimistic—until they’re no longer clear or optimistic. In other words, mania advances from mild through moderate and heads into chaotic. At that point, our thoughts no longer agree with reality. The same can be said for depressive thoughts: They’re not in agreement with reality. In either condition, we have no awareness of it at the time. For this reason, mental alchemy is the perfect tool to improve the quality of our thoughts. Mental alchemy has the capacity to ground us. It pulls us back to Earth into our “right mind” and allows us to exercise some control over our reality. Mental alchemy becomes more potent as we exercise the mental and emotional muscle. Doing simple and familiar exercises can assist the alchemical process. These include reading, writing, journaling, painting, sculpting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, making pottery, listening to or playing music, and other ways of expressing our feelings. All of these activities engage and calm the mind. The creative process helps us move beyond ourselves. These activities improve mood and increase our vibration, lifting us out of the darkness and into the light.
The following questions can provide powerful and revealing answers and help to determine if you are in a cycle of depression and need immediate help.
- How did I get to this place in my life? This opens a wealth of possibilities to examine in writing. In fact, this could be the beginning of a memoir.
- When did my depression begin? Using recall, write out your recollections of what triggered the depression.
- What did it feel like when I was not depressed? This question helps to jog the memory. Recalling a “me” when depression was not your mind-set will help you believe that you can feel that way again.
- When did the mania turn into depression? For those with manic depression (bipolar disorder), this involves analysis and memory.
- What areas of my life do I want to address in therapy? Creating lists and planning for future therapy sessions can be helpful.
- What goals do I want to include in my life? This question helps initiate the process of opening to a more empowered state of mind. Setting goals achieves this.
- What am I willing to release in order to heal? This question involves in-depth examination. The answers might be alcohol, street drugs, or toxic relationships, to name a few possibilities.
- What do I think would most help me heal? This could include proper medications, therapy, support, financial assistance, and so on.
- What makes me happy? Asking this can lead to memories of feeling hopeful and expansive.
- What makes me laugh? This also prompts recollections of joy and pleasure.
- What touches my heart? The answer could be anything: an animal companion, a new baby, or a walk by the sea at sunset.
- What do I want to do when I’m healed? This is like standing on top of a mountain and looking down the road to the future. What can be seen there? What can I look forward to?
In the beginning, it’s best to write for ourselves so we can express exactly what’s on our mind without worrying that others will judge us. If we live with others, especially a spouse or partner, we must insist on a certain level of privacy. Depression always creates distance from others, so writing is one area in which this distance can be advantageous.
Alicemarie help family members caring for and having their own lives disrupted by the challenges of this mental disorder.
First you must understand what it is like and Alicemarie describes it this way:
“My medication was an antipsychotic, although I didn’t have a diagnosis yet other than “brief psychotic episode.” By the time I was finally diagnosed as bipolar and started on lithium, I had plunged into a devastating depression that lasted more than six months. I had known depression throughout my young life, but nothing could have prepared me for this shift from an expansive, sensual world full of life and magic during the mania, to a dark, narrow, suffocating world during the depression. The transition happened overnight. It was drastic, debilitating, and frightening. I had suicidal thoughts constantly, believing my life was over. Would I even be missed? I did not believe anyone would feel the loss, because all my thoughts were depressed thoughts. My mind filled with that netherworld of darkness and despair.”
We thank you Alicemarie O’Neil author of The Formula Seven Steps to End Depression and for clearly concisely describing the conditions of depression manic depression and bi-polar depression offering excellent approaches to working with a serious and prevalent health issue that affects all segments of our society.
In summarizing today’s episode of Healing From Within we have offered listeners a clearer view and personal examination of the various stages and reactions when dealing with depression bi-polar disorder or manic episodes which may be exhibited Alicemarie O’Neill has clearly explained ways to find the help and projects that may create healing situations and lessen the effects or stigma associated with an often misunderstood yet quite common life challenge “depression”. Like any challenge it offers possibilities to know yourself the physical world and Universal Source in new ways that help to create a life seeking love and to find ways to connect to others in a more refined compassionate fashion aiding the soul to merge both spiritual and physical aspects of life and in doing so discovering gratitude joy kindness within and an appreciation of life beyond any illness or hardship.
As Alice Marie O’Neil wrote, “We are as much a part of nature as the roses, birds, trees, and tides. Depression deceives us into thinking we are separate from the rest of life. Yet, when we feel our connection to all living things, we find our greatest healing. Feeling this connection raises our vibration, and raising it is the key to raising our awareness and consciousness. Heightened awareness helps dissolve despair. Darkness has no hold in the presence of light.”
Alice Marie and Sheryl would have you remember who you are as a spiritual being having a physical life and for you to try to embrace the hope we have for finding ways to live in peace harmony balance and general well-being, no matter the health challenge we may have: for in the end, the only reality is our ability to shift and change ourselves into our best version of acceptance and surrender to all, for then we are free of pain fear worry and illusion. Our true nature is always love positivity and hope for a good day.
