Taking control of your mood: Stay connected

This resource is part of a series on low mood and depression. You can find the other parts here:

1. Intro | 2. Healthy Habits | 3. Manage your feelings | 4. Get active | 5. Reduce Tension | 6. Stay connected

Stay Connected

Have you ever been so passionate about something or someone that nothing else seemed to matter? You felt as if you could take on the world... your energy level was high... and nothing could get you down?

That’s what “staying connected” is about. And "staying connected" is a powerful way to fuel your spirit and keep you happy, healthy, and energized.

This section is about staying connected to people and passion. It is about discovering what is important in your life and rekindling lost passions. It should also inspire you to stay connected to the people and activities that add meaning to your life.

Staying connected requires that you:

1. Identify what gives meaning to your life.

2. Rekindle passions and connections. And,

3. Spend time with people who support you.

Step 1: Identify what gives meaning to your life

The very first step to "staying connected" is to identify what gives meaning to your life. What are your passions? What gives your life meaning? For each of the following categories, describe the people or activities that contribute meaning and passion to your life.

• Relationships. This could be your partner/spouse, children, family members, good friends, coworkers, old friends, or customers.

• Spiritual or religious involvement. For example church, faith groups, God.

• Community involvement. For example, volunteer work, participating in community activities, joining with neighbours, or supporting charities.

• Art and creativity. For example, attending musical events or theatre, visiting art galleries, creating art, playing an instrument, contributing to the arts, or learning about art.

• Nature. For example, hiking outdoors, gardening, or walking and absorbing the sights and sounds.

Step 2: Rekindle passions and connections

Consider the people or activities that you’ve just identified as being important and giving meaning to your life. Now, list three passions or connections that you want to grow or continue to keep alive. For example, you may enjoy walks in nature but you may not have taken the time for a nature walk recently. Or perhaps you find artistic expression important, but don’t have a creative outlet.

On a piece of paper, write down the top three passions or connections you want to rekindle or keep alive.

Now, pick one of these and write down exactly what steps you will take this upcoming week to rekindle or revive it. Be very specific.

Let’s say you want to rekindle a passion for music. Then you could write “I will look up concerts and ask my friend to go with me.”

Step 3: Spend time with people who support you

Now that you have the steps to rekindle your passions, you also need to spend time with people who support you.

Think about this: Who can you depend on for support? Who do you feel comfortable talking with? Who handles challenging situations better than you (so you can follow their example)?

Write the name(s) down on a sheet of paper.

Think about how you are going to contribute to that relationship. What do you have to offer to help further the bond that you have together? How can you show your appreciation for that supportive relationship? How can you contribute meaningfully to the relationship? You could express your gratitude to the person or do something you know they will appreciate. Write down your ideas.

Finally, learn from others who are passionate. Select someone who is passionate about what they do. Someone who seems energized, uplifted, and optimistic. Think about the following:

1. How does this person describe their interests and passions?

2. What happens to this person’s face or voice when they talk about their passion? Do they become filled with colour and life?

3. What can you learn from this person that you can apply to your own life?

4. How can you begin to surround yourself with people who have a passion
   for life?