Crisis depression is a state of mind in which emotions and feelings of reluctance predominate. Among its most common symptoms are loss of strength and motivation, as well as sadness and apathy. We lose interest in what surrounds us and the simple fact of continuing with our routine requires an extraordinary effort.
We all go through periods like this. It may be due to dissatisfaction with our daily lives, especially if we feel that nothing exciting or new is happening, which creates the feeling of being stuck. It can also occur after a period of overexertion during which we demand ourselves so much that when the tension decreases, our strength leaves us.
Generally, the emotional downturn lasts a short time, just a few days, but if the symptoms do not subside but rather become more acute and last for weeks, we can fall into a vicious circle that opens the doors to depression. To avoid this, these emotional downturn quotes could help you rediscover the motivation, energy and joy of life to move forward.
The emotional downturn crisis that will help you overcome this stage
1. “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word “happy” would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness” – Carl Jung
On many occasions, it is not the situation itself, but our reluctance to accept it, that causes the greatest suffering. Resistance and denial consume great energy, while acceptance allows us to use that psychological energy more productively. Jung encouraged us to accept these states of emotional crisis naturally, as an intrinsic part of life that helps us better value happiness and joy.
2. “When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions” – William Shakespeare
This short emotional crisis quote reminds us that many times sorrows, problems and worries do not come alone. In fact, to make an impact on our mood they usually attack in unison. We all go through dark periods when things go wrong and everything seems to go wrong. In those moments we must regain perspective and remember that it is just that: a stage that will pass.
3. “If my world collapsed tomorrow, I would remember all the pleasures, emotions and things that have been worthwhile and that I have been lucky enough to experience.” – Audrey Hepburn
Life brings good and bad times. Generates joy and sadness. We can’t help it. However, we can choose which situations to keep and what things to remember. We can stay stuck in sad moments or, on the contrary, use good memories to fill us with energy and positivity.
4. “Sadness is also a type of defense” – Ivo Andric
This Nobel Prize in Literature reminds us that even emotional crisis has a reason. In fact, sometimes sadness acts as a defense mechanism. By decreasing our energy and motivation, it encourages us to take a break from the daily dizziness to regain strength or reflect on the path we have taken. Therefore, although it may not be pleasant, it is likely that this emotional downturn contains a message. And we should listen to it.
5. “Depression is the inability to build a future” – Rollo May
Imbued with a hedonistic culture that prioritizes positive emotions over everything else, it is understandable that we want to escape negative sensations. However, this short phrase about emotional crisis reminds us that perhaps this state is the result of our inability to envision and create the future we want. Therefore, it can become an occasion to explore what we are doing with our lives and the direction we want to take.
6. “Crises and stagnation have at least one advantage: they force us to think” – Jawaharlal Nehru
When apathy and sadness invade us, it is likely that at first we will not find the reason, but it exists. Our mood depends largely on the things we experience, so there are always causes that justify what we feel, although sometimes it is difficult for us to detect them. As this Hindu politician said, it is important to do an exercise of introspection to know what is happening to us. Knowing the triggers is what will allow us to implement the changes we need to prevent this emotional downturn from turning into full-blown depression.
7. “Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect. We take what we get and are thankful it’s no worse than it is” – Margaret Mitchell
This emotional downturn quote reminds us of something we often forget: life is unfair, simply because the concept of justice exists only in our minds. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the world owes us nothing, simply because it has existed long before we arrived. Being able to adjust expectations before they let us down will save us a lot of frustration, sadness, and disappointment.
8. “Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.” – Christopher Morley
Did you know that crying is good? Although we generally try to repress our expressions of pain and suffering, tears actually have enormous cathartic power. Sometimes, emotional crisis is the expression of long-held emotions, so the easiest way to overcome it may be to open the floodgates and allow that sadness to come out.
9. “Your emotions are slaves to your thoughts and you are a slave to your emotions” -Elizabeth Gilbert
Among all the quotes about emotional crisis, this writer reminds us of the psychological mechanism that underlies this state. What we feel is the result of the interpretation of the events we have experienced. But once those emotions are activated, they drag us down and prevent us from thinking clearly. Therefore, we need to break this vicious circle by questioning to what extent our interpretation of the facts is adequate, adaptive and developmental.
10. “Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions” – Anonymous
We must avoid taking paths that have no turning back when we are going through a stage of emotional crisis. Although this state is characterized by apathy, it can push us to make bad decisions or procrastinate, so we could waste good opportunities. Feeling listless will make us lose interest in many of our goals, but we must maintain a minimum of activity that prevents these goals from going to waste.
Last but not least, remember that not all your days will be good. To overcome an emotional crisis, you first have to identify and accept that state. Normalizing these states can be a good start to avoid fueling discomfort.
Then you should try to understand its cause without falling into reproaches for feeling bad. Next, ask yourself: what can I do for me? Treat yourself with kindness and compassion as you figure it out. And if you need it, ask for help.
