Defensive selfishness
18 months ago
Thinking in a self-centered way is a major defense mechanism for me when I am depressed, but that puts distance between me and others and pushes me further inside my own head, which I already am because I work in a solitary field.
For right now, the goal is: do something concrete (e.g., something that takes more than 5 minutes) every day that helps someone else without regard to whether I want to.
Yesterday I spoke with my roommate’s ex-boyfriend for 3 hours, counseling him on what he can do to most help her. (It’s complicated.) I was frankly grateful for the opportunity.
