How do reach such low points in our lives?
I will approach this from a buddhist Dharma perspective. With all the stories stripped away and keeping down to the bare essentials, which are at the very root of this answer. The answer is simple. We get to these places through hatred/aversion, sensual desire and dellusion in our hearts… even anxiety, when you look at it is actually just hatred (i dont like this situation etc).
What keeps us stuck in these low points?
The same hatred and dillusion that got us there in the first place.
What stops our efforts from making any change in our lives?
Im not sure i understand this question.
What are some external factors that affect us in such cases?
It is ALWAYS only ever an internal thing… for example … i used to HATE HATE HATE being called skinny. I would fight people for it… if people called me it now i would laugh. What changed? Only the internal response. It is only ever our own self judgement or perception that twists and distorts reality. The external is only ever there as an impersonal event.
What are some practical ways to fix these situations?
Relaxing, becoming soft, letting go of tension… self love, being grounded and strong. Also therapy is likely essential for most as a way to accept our downfalls.
What are some spiritual ways to fix these situations?
The spiritual can only cut deep into our hearts of we truly learn to love and accept ourselves. Otherwise, it is merely applying a band aod over a boyle of self hatred…
Ask me how i know these things so well haha… you guessed it… ive walked the walk for almost 20 years x
With love
Kindfulness 1