When we interact with people, we make sense of the interactions using our own unique relational lens. Our relational lens or template is created from past experiences with others, specifically our caregivers. As babies, we quickly develop expectations of others in relation to ourselves, setting us on a path of habitual relationship patterns. Unless you’re aware of your primary relational template (what therapists call “attachment style” ), your childhood experiences with caregivers will predict the type of relational experiences you’ll have as an adult. This can be a dreaded realization for people who grew up in difficult family environments and vowed never to turn out like their father or mother.
Why do I feel depressed? (PART II)
Unless you’re one of the lucky people living poetically in their bodies, such as dancers or yoga instructors, you likely move through your day unaware of all the sensations constantly happening in your body. These sensations are vital information that we are usually conditioned by adolescence to stop reading or override with distractions.
Western culture traditionally likes to segment our mind from our body; however, most therapists and people personally familiar with the therapeutic process acknowledge the connection of mind and body when working toward overall life satisfaction.
Why do I feel depressed? (PART 1)
You might have a general sense of depression but can’t identify a root cause to justify feeling depressed or anxious. Some people realize something is off when they’re surrounded by friends and still feel alone.
For others, it’s while they are on vacation with good food, great scenery and multiple opportunities to relax, and yet they feel unhappy or depressed. The overall feeling of depression is present, but not necessarily the behaviors or criteria that would convince a person that it’s time to really stop and reflect.