A reason for why things are the way they are

Do you ever feel frustrated or guilty that you can't point to one specific reason you're feeling the way you feel, or one specific thing that could *snap* make everything all better?

Sometimes someone will ask me if the weather is the cause of my depression, or if maybe spiritual things are weighing me down, or if my meds just need to be readjusted because one of them is affecting me negatively, etc.

I'm always willing to look at ideas to see if maybe I'm missing something, but I feel bad when I can't really give a definitive answer. I'd like everything negative to go away completely, but I don't feel like it's in my power to wave my hand and have that suddenly happen, or just point to one specific reason for my problems with myself. I feel like everything I struggle with would be more acceptable to the people around me if I could just provide a quick and easy answer.

Frustrated sometimes. Guilty - no. There is nothing simple or easy about this illness. If there were it wouldn't be an illness.

It would be nice if everyone around us were educated and understanding.....

Unfortunately sometimes there is no reason. Things just happen. It sucks.

That being said, people need to understand that this illness is just that, an illness. This isn't something that can be cured with just a few bits of positive thinking. It takes a lot of things just to manage a decent day sometimes.

Our brains are wired to look for answers and seek meaning. Unfortunately we can't find answers to some of the things that happen to us-- and if there's meaning behind it we can't discern what it is. People who don't really understand will ask all kinds of well-meaning questions that in reality are inane or unhelpful. Don't let it make you feel guilty. And don't let yourself feel guilty because there isn't one easy answer. It's really not up to you to make the things you struggle with acceptable to other people. It's up to each of us not to accept the things we struggle with, and to keep struggling and seeking answers and meaning, knowing there are no easy ones.

A reason for why things are the way they are.....? I really wish there were obvious, logical, rational, and simple answers to all our struggles in life, especially for our illnesses. Unfortunately, there are few quick and easy answers to most of life's mysteries. Maybe that is how it is supposed to be for us to grow.

The largest challenge I faced has been how many people do not understand that "mental illness" is actually an illness. Too many ignorantly think it is a character defect, spiritual issue, diet problem, laziness, a strategy to avoid hard parts of life, and some even think it is "made up" by pharma and biotech companies.

My day is brighter when I choose to take care of myself and those I enjoy/love, do things I enjoy, avoid as many negative people and interactions as reasonably possible and do my best while being a good friend to myself.

There are no simple answers and easy ways to feel better. I wish there were! I just try to make my own day a bit brighter and happier, I hope you do too!