Depression

We can all feel depressed from time to time. Maybe a little down in the dumps, feeling sad, or things just not going well. It would be almost impossible to be very very happy all the time, and I would suspect anyone who said they were. Just reading about the people in Japan made me feel sad, and down in the dumps for a little while. Then I had to tell myself that apart from sending some money, there was little else I could do that would be useful, and so I had to get on with life. I was a little more than relieved when my son returned from Japan safely, and slept better.

Longer term depression is another thing. It rarely strikes for no reason at all, and whilst the medical profession will continue to believe that the feel good chemicals in our brain are reduced, I will continue to ask what caused them to reduce. A little depression means that at times you feel down but can easily be encouraged or encourage yourself to cheer up. The latter is much better than the former though, because if people have to keep cheering you up, you could become dependent on that. Serious depression causes you to feel that you don't want to get up in the morning, or can't be bothered to wash and get dressed. Nothing cheers you up, maybe not even a lottery win! It may solve some financial problems but it would not stop negative thoughts continuing. People often have suicidal thoughts, life is not worth living, and perhaps everyone would be better off without them. A large does of self pity goes on at these moments. It is hoped that anyone suffering so badly like this would seek help from their GP and have therapy at the same time.

Depression through grief is normal. If there is a loss, whether it it because the person has died, or has disappeared from their life, it is normal to grieve, and medication does not help if you are wishing the person was still around. We can give ourselves the time to have some self pity, and then be strong and get on with life. Someone very special to me has a mantra.' Every second you dwell on the past, you steal from the future'.

The past has gone and we cannot change it, the future is ahead and we can make plans to make it better. Now is the time to enjoy what you have. Count your blessings from time to time. Give some thought to others who have lost their way for some reason, and those that are suffering, mentally or physically.