When the unexpected blues take us by surprise, we need to have an action plan. After all, we will inevitably all feel down from time to time, even for those who frequently radiate positivity. Knowing what we will do first can make a huge difference.
First Response to Unexpected Blues
Perhaps like me, your first response to melancholy days isn’t always what is in your best interest. I tend to attempt to dismiss those thoughts, push them away, and pretend they don’t exist.
It isn’t unusual to see me plaster on a big smile and begin pointing out all that is right in life. And then I become busy. So occupied, I don’t feel much of anything. Yes, this method works, at least for the moment.
But then, out of nowhere, the sadness begins to morph into something else. It becomes tangled with anger, and sometimes the slightest irritation can set me off. Does this ever happen to you?
Over time, I have learned denial and avoidance will only increase the agony and fail to wipe away the sadness. #sadness #denial #mareedee Click To TweetHow to Cope With the Unexpected Blues
However, when we stop and validate our unexpected blues, turn to God, and follow a well-thought-out action plan, it helps—especially when we put our design together when we aren’t feeling down. Knowing the steps we will take makes it easier to do what is good for us regardless of our feelings. And then we can be pleasantly surprised when our efforts bring us joy.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
PSALM 16:11 NLT
Featured Post
Lois Flowers wrote a beautiful article for those days when the unexpected blues tend to show up out of nowhere. She shares three observations, suggested actions, and scriptures. It seemed so fitting to post as this is Mental Health Awareness month.
Now for our Featured Post
Do You Feel Like Your Sparkles Have Fallen Off?
By Lois Flowers
Click here to read.
What action steps do you take when the unexpected blues show up?
Mental Health Awareness Month
Will You Join Us in Learning More About Mental Health?
**Please note this article relates to occasional unexpected blues, not persistent sadness or a mental health diagnosis. The information included on this website never takes the place of seeking individual help with a trained professional.
Today, our featured post on Grace & Truth Link-Up is written by Lois Flowers—“Do You Feel Like Your Sparkles Have Fallen Off.” #graceandtruth #featuredpost #graceandtruth #featuredpost Click To TweetNow Let’s Link Up
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Maree, thank you for sharing my post and for framing my thoughts so beautifully. I hadn’t thought of what I wrote as a plan of action for when the blues hit unexpectedly, but the description is just right. 😊 I so appreciate your heart for those who struggle with mental health issues and the people who love them. ❤️
Lois,
You are so welcome. I am so grateful you shared your beautiful post with us. It was an honor to feature it. You had great verses and helpful information.
Blessings, Maree
Maree, I had to smile. You and I have the same coping method. Learned it from my mom. But realizing it is not the healthiest. I like your idea of having a plan in place. Thinking ahead to next time and what I will do. I know talking to my sister or a sympathetic and listening ear often helps me so much. It helps me process my emotions, name them, and get outside viewpoints.
Theresa,
Haha, glad to know I am not alone in my maladaptive coping method. Thank you for sharing with me what helps you know. I agree a sympathetic ear is fantastic. Thank you for leaving a comment. I always love to hear what you have to say.
Maree
Barabra, You are right when you say that even if we give it to God, and figure out what is bothering us, we often have to just keep going until things ebb. I am trying to get better at feeling my emotions and not judging them as good and bad, but what is. When you wrote about feeling a fresh pang about not being able to do something with your son, I so relate. But then I wonder, if maybe those small pangs make us enjoy what we have or had more. Or maybe, do those pangs somehow help us enjoy life more in the long run?
Yes, Barbara had great words of wisdom. I love what you are pondering. I think the pangs help me see the value in what I have.
I enjoyed Lois’ post, too. I usually try to evaluate my feelings and figure out what’s causing them. If there is a particular situation, then I can give it over to the Lord and seek His will for how to deal with it. Sometimes there are lingering sad thoughts that just take time to ebb away. Our youngest just moved out, and though I am happy for him and even excited to have more time to myself, I still miss his presence. I just realized last night that one of our favorite activities together is something we’ll likely never have the opportunity to do again, and that brought a fresh pang. Sometimes, even when acknowledging a situation and giving it over to the Lord, there’s not much else we can do but carry on. But, thankfully, God comforts us in our sadness and gives us joys to offset the griefs.
Barbara,
My heart goes out to you as you feel those pangs of missing your son. It is always so conflicting when we know the change is good, yet our hearts still mourn for the loss. I struggled when my youngest graduated from college. I loved his college years as we had the opportunity to do so many things together. I assumed his working years would have little time for me, and he was moving far away. But I have to say; God has been good. The next stage has been great. Each phase of life holds good things, I promise. I am so glad you have God to comfort you, and you are so right. God does give us joy. Praying for your momma’s heart tonight.
Maree