Perseverance toward life goals can fend off depression, anxiety, panic disorders
People who don't give up on their goals (or who get better over time at not giving up on their goals) and who have a positive outlook appear to have less anxiety and depression and fewer panic attacks, according to a study of thousands of Americans over the course of 18 years. Surprisingly, a sense of control did not have an effect on the mental health of participants across time.
"Perseverance cultivates a sense of purposefulness that can create resilience against or decrease current levels of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder," said Nur Hani Zainal, MS, from The Pennsylvania State University and lead author of the study. "Looking on the bright side of unfortunate events has the same effect because people feel that life is meaningful, understandable and manageable."
"Clinicians can help their clients understand the vicious cycle caused by giving up on professional and personal aspirations. Giving up may offer temporary emotional relief but can increase the risk of setbacks as regret and disappointment set in," said Zainal. "Boosting a patient's optimism and resilience by committing to specific courses of actions to make dreams come to full fruition despite obstacles can generate more positive moods and a sense of purpose."
This research made me think of this fantastic Rocky 4 montage set to "No easy way out".
What song helps with your perseverance toward life goals?
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../05/190502100852.htm
I have many songs that "speak" to me and help me to find myself as I negotiate the waves of life (and living in recovery/wellness from drug/alcohol addiction, mental health, trauma and being a bereaved mom who lost her child to opioid overdose). Trying to make sense of the senseless was quite senseless BUT determination and tenacity to never allow myself to be "victimized" again was my only source of empowerment. Of course I could not change the damage done. Nor could I control society and the harm that comes from being stigmatized and judged. I couldn't make people "nicer" and I certainly could not stop "life trauma/drama" from happening. That is just life. I started to accept that I was perfectly imperfect. That I am "kooky" and a little "off the wall". I started to recognize that I had enormous curiosity and this "spirit" that just seemed to get up over and over again. With that I realized that I definitely had something to offer the world. I wasn't sure what it was. I'm still not sure what it is. But I know I am doing something right because I feel authentic. I feel like I walk a path of many paths. When I feel "lost" I always have songs (new and old) that "find me" and help me to reflect, sing, cry or anything that emotes "feelings" from within. Music is indeed the "fire in my belly" that inspires me to explore, commit and attain my goals. With this I absolutely feel that life is meaningful, understandable and manageable. (Even with the chaos and echoes of trauma, grief and loss)
Some of my songs:
'Life' by Our Lady Peace
'Whose Going to Drive you Home Tonight' by The Cars
'Stuck in a Moment' by U2
'Somewhere in the Middle of This" by Dishwalla
'The Show Must go On' by Queen
'Human Beings' by Seal
'Cry Ophelia' by Adam Cohen
'Butterfly' by David Usher
'Wild Child' by Enya
Here are a couple of slides that I created for some presentations years ago. Seems to fit this stream eh?