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Among our most undesirable human emotions, depression is the most common evaluation. There are many reasons why people might embrace depression. Did I say embrace depression? Yes, I did. Depression is the main category antecedent to the spawn of many subcategories.
When sinking into the quicksand of depression, the most reasonable way to confront such emotional disparagement is first to evaluate exactly which subcategory connects the two. Why do I feel this way? I didn't get what I wanted! I don't look the way I want to look! I was insulted or embarrassed! When defining our reasoning, we may also need to determine self-loathing apart from external causes as the source, although in many instances the two coincide. Like when some one you care for hurts you in some way. As for prolonging depression itself, we may either commit to self-blame or blame some one else. Usually when mentality dictates that no more can be done to rectify the situation (the source of our depression) and we refuse to let it go, that's when the affair with depression begins.
For some, long-lived depression without resolve becomes the basis of connectivity to others through common experiences, thus maintaining the affair. Not that we shouldn't care enough to connect with others when depression sets in, but, thriving on depression in hopes of obtaining favorable connectivity to others inevitably only creates more reasons for depression in others [Oh, I didn't think of that one! Me, too!]. Like reflecting on how tired you are all the time (due to depression) may result in yet another nap. We all like to sleep afterward. Right?
In more extreme cases, suicidal tendencies may enter the mentality of certain individuals wanting so desperately to escape depression. There's no hope! My life might as well be over! I have no purpose! All else has failed. But reality is, no one really wants to die. No one in his right mind really wants to feel so depressed, but it happens. The big sleep. See no more. Feel no more. Exist no more. This is the mentality of many whose complete lack of faith in God contributes only to derange them even further from reality, and hope. Just hearing about some one committing suicide is very depressing. When the reality is, people just want to escape depression; to change those things that need changing and be happy! Any other mentality is deranged from reality, even of self. What some might call taking the coward's way out, I consider neither cowardly nor brave. Depressive matrimony being the operative word -- adultery against life.
Under certain circumstances, simply facing the reality of whatever is bothering you leaves nothing more to consider than positive alternatives. Without controversy, there is no solution to be developed. Without a sickness, no one works on a cure. But depression, unlike physical illnesses, is not a dose by dose cures all science. Positivity on the other hand, is fairly paramount. This article is not intended to diagnose any one individual, but to inspire self-diagnoses as well as individual resolve in any case where the reasoning to do so exists. Let's not confuse sadness with depression here. Like the sadness of losing a loved one, or when you miss some one. In the sense that sadness wears off, but a tendency for depression must be overtaken, it is reasonable to discern some difference between the two.
Mentality and emotion are not one and the same, although each can affect the stability of the individual as a whole. Emotionally, I might feel like refraining from taking action, but take action anyway due to the dictation of my reasoning (or vise-verse). If mentality and reasoning do not rule over your emotions, you will experience a tumultuous existence -- feeble at the whim of every contradictory comment or negative action directed your way. There is a difference between being feeble and being humble. Humble enough to accept ones wrongs, and reasonable enough to make the necessary changes. There is a difference between wanting to feel good, and feeling good. If you want to feel good, think of something good, and do something good. Visualize things that are good for you as well as others, and enforce that positivity within the contours of your mind -- positive thinking is like gassing up with pure petrol rather than mud. The many thousands of teachings floating around out there that reflect on the benefits of positive thinking can't be all wrong! Although, the idea of positive thinking is usually esteemed only in the general sense of the word, rather than from a moral standpoint.
The positive in negativity. Is that Possible? Yes. A criminal feels positive about committing the crime. Is it possible to feel negative about what makes that criminal feel good and still see yourself in a positive light? Absolutely. I could probably conjure up a thousand more examples (right and wrong), but the point is simple to absorb. Depression is just an emotion, easy to escape if only during a moment of humor. How much more then, can the power to visualize as well as seek out and find all that is good (a God given gift), absolve ones self from the imprisonment of depression. Always remember, wherever the fault may lie, forgiveness is a virtue of God that can set you as well as your own prisoners free -- literally and figuratively, inside and out. Not forgiving yourself is like an emotional suicide. Even if your enemies won't reciprocate or accept your forgiveness, God alone can set you free. Captivity is for the captives, but the goodness of God fills the earth. God is the Good.
The sensation of living is great. I know that food tastes so much better when I'm practically starving! as opposed to eating normally. I'm sure freedom tastes so much more like freedom to the captive upon release. Existence in itself is amazing! Appreciation for life and all the good things that entails is something we should never forget. Depression solves nothing. Depression accomplishes nothing. Depression is nothing! I can't see it, Can you? In fact, depression is practically imaginary! But people sure do react to it! I know that stress is another subcategory linked to depression. Yet another unseen emotion that can be scientifically linked to many physical ailments. Have you taken your daily stress tab? It's only a depressive thought away! Can you imagine a supplement like that making sales on the market? Would you buy it? What if they were giving it away? [Are you feeling happy today? Does your face hurt from smiling too much? Do your friends frown when you enter the room? Introducing the all new Strebby Tes Stress Tabs -- sure to give you the grimace that demands respect! Turn that smile upside down! Now available in stores.]
Purge your mind of irrelevance, and free your emotions. Emotions weren't meant to rule your mind, but the mind was intended to rule your emotions. God above all else.
» left by Sandra E. Graham(3,040) Sandra E. Graham (1 year 68 days ago.)
Very good article, Scott. My granddaughter is suffering with bouts of depression and sometimes it is so hard to help her get through them. It breaks your heart to see someone you love suffering this way. Respond to this comment
» left by Scott Mitchell(154) Scott Mitchell (1 year 68 days ago.)
Thank you. I'm sorry your granddaughter is suffering with bouts of depression. I'm sure she will rise above it in time. The future is obtained through each passing moment, but a past once experienced no longer exists - aside of what we choose to maintain within ourselves. Unavoidable consequences aside, and speaking from a non-materialistic standpoint, freedom comes first from within. Thank God for His mercy, and the extension of mercy His influence provides through accepting individuals in this lifetime. Acceptance, being the operative word. I hope these words can help in some way. Respond to this comment
» left by Ben Jones(5,346) Ben Jones (1 year 68 days ago.)
A really important and often overlooked topic. People with depression often withdraw into themselves and their own lives, hiding away from the world. This in itself makes it less obvious and thus far more insidious because sometimes we miss the signs when we could potentially reach out a hand to help.
» left by Scott Mitchell(154) Scott Mitchell (1 year 67 days ago.)
Thanks for expressing your appreciation and insight. I agree. I'm fairly convinced both extroverted and introverted individuals may suffer with depression from time to time. One is in hiding, the other in disguise. The third, well, good or bad wears his heart on his sleeve. Salute! Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,204) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 65 days ago.)
Excellent article but in my opinion one has to walk the walk before anyone can determine the degreee of suffering one experiences before entering into that state. Perhaps it is not just a broken romance but more of a long time continued beating down in mind, body and spirit. A continual attack on your your self worth, your very value. Perhaps it is being exploited, broken law, greed, harrassment and unanswered prayer. Yes, many reasons but today in this society, young and old are going through this dreadful disease. It is certainly easy for one who is doing good to give advice or who has had a change of luck but for those walking day to day, year to year, it is death. Keep writing you will help many. best wishes. Respond to this comment
» left by Scott Mitchell(154) Scott Mitchell (1 year 65 days ago.)
Nice observation, Robert. I suppose a change of luck for the better would be appreciated by any one of us at any point in time. I don't place a whole lot of faith in luck, but I do know a little bit about trial and error -- my own as well as can be appertained by observing others. If I wanted business advise, for instance, I wouldn't ask a formerly poor man who found financial success simply by winning the lottery, how to succeed in business. I would ask some one who had earned his money through the building of a successful business, if only to eliminate any errors that might otherwise lead to failure. I'm sure there are many reasons why businesses fail, but successful advise is the positive motivation necessary for making the best possible effort. Failure is irrelevant to our success, except to teach us what NOT to do. By the way, Got any business advise for me? Ha! I just want to thank you for providing helpful input, not to mention the five star rating. Take good care. Respond to this comment
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