Can Watching the Beijing Olympics Reduce Your Depression?
By Pamela Lipe, M.S.
Licensed Psychologist
Michael Phelps, the gold medal swimmer, referred to his mother as his true inspiration. And you can see the
love in her eyes as she sits in the grandstands and watches her son. You can see his eyes search for her after
he wins a race. Who in your life has shown you such devotion and love? If it wasn’t your mother or if you have
trouble thinking of someone in particular, you may begin to feel jealous or perhaps unloved. If you have
problems with depression, you might even begin to feel worse.
However, you can also use this opportunity to help you reduce your depression by thinking about this
example in a different way. Search your own history for that one person who stood by your side and thought
you were “the best.” Remember a teacher, a grandparent, a coach or a kind neighbor. Remember someone
who looked at you with love and devotion. If that person is no longer with you, don’t fall into the trap of feeling
lonely because they are gone. Instead, count yourself as one of the lucky ones to have been so loved. Focus
on how that felt, to be loved. Try to remember the energy that comes from a relationship of love and devotion
(like Michael Phelps and his mother). Think of how that energy can inspire you to “be the best you can be”
today.
When your mood begins to flag, remind yourself of this once loving relationship. Again, bring back the
pleasurable experience of feeling loved. Again, focus on the energy that comes from an inspiring relationship.
Again, remember Michael Phelps—his strength, his vigor, his joy at seeing his mother’s loving gaze. Imagine
yourself having your own personal success.
Even if you are in a wheelchair, bedridden, weighed down by life stresses, overcome with sadness over a
recent loss, or having severe financial problems, you can still recapture the energy of a loving relationship. Be
the best you can be today and take pride in that.
If you would like help with this exercise or if you would like other effective techniques for treating depression,
check out my website www.pamlipe.com.
Copyright, Pam Lipe, M.S, 2008, All Rights Reserved – North St. Paul, MN, 651-470-5174 or
www.RelationshipTherapyStPaul.com
My practice serves the following communities: Maplewood, Woodbury, North St. Paul, Saint Paul, Oakdale, Roseville, Stillwater, Hudson, Afton,
Lakeville, and other Eastern Suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minnesota and Western Wisconsin