Self-help program
8. Think about things that matter to you in your life
Depression often involves a loss of meaning—things that once felt important may lose their significance, and a sense of direction and purpose in life can fade. In such situations, taking time to think about things that matter to you and personal values can help.
Things and values that matter to you in your life
Things and values that matter to you are the things we consider worth striving for and important in our lives. These can relate, for example, to a romantic relationship, family life, work, or free time. People value different things, and there are many such values.
The culture we live in influences our values, but everyone still has their own values. Taking time to think about your values is important also because sometimes we end up living the way we think we should live.
It’s helpful to think about what you truly value.
It’s typical for depression to drain you of the energy to act according to your values. Even if you value friendships, you may not have the energy to see friends.
Reflecting on the things you value can help you reconnect with a sense of meaning. It can also serve as a guide toward the kind of life you would like to live.
Now pause and use the following exercise to think about what is important to you and what you value.
Exercise: Meaningful things in my life
Goal
You identify what matters most to you.
Instructions
Think about the things you value and consider meaningful in your life. These things that matter to you can relate, for example, to a romantic relationship, family life, work or studies, or leisure time.
Things that matter to you may include:
- family
- a romantic relationship
- work and studies
- personal development
- social participation
- aesthetics
- spirituality and connection to something greater
- stability and security
- new experiences
- health
Now you have reflected on the things that matter to you in your life. Next, you can think about how you could start putting them into practice.
Choose one thing that is important to you right now and that you want and are able to start working toward. Think about what a small step in that direction could be.
Exercise: Putting things that matter to you into practice
Goal
You will find ways to live according to your values.
Instructions
Choose something meaningful that is important to you right now and that you want and are able to start working toward.
Think about what could be a small step toward living by this value.