Feelings of anxiety, depression and anguish, although painful, are necessary, since they can guide us towards wellbeing. The use of substances which preclude the perception of feelings, limits the possibility to reach a state of wellbeing. On the contrary anxiety, depression and anguish, if well understood and used, guide us towards the satisfaction of our vital needs. Anguish and depression are important signals that we must learn to understand. These signals tell that our vital needs for cohesion and meaning are not satisfied. When we cancel these feelings, our ability to choose advantageously decreases and we get in a chronic state of suffering. Anxiety, depression and anguish are primary indicators of our invisible vital needs.

 

 

The Vital Needs Theory - page 38

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