Is there anyone here that is NOT depressed?

[Phatt Matt s]

Something I've noticed in reading through this thread. There seems to be an idea, whether it's intentional or unintentional, that depression is largely a choice. One of my friends has battled clinical depression for a few years, and she would love to choose to be happy, every day. It's not something she can 'will' herself out of, unfortunately.

So, while there are times when we all may become 'depressed,' there are many others who are that way on a continual basis, and without meds, and professional assistance, they find living life with any sense of joy, a real challenge.

I understand where we are all coming from. lol Just wanted to point that out, because it's not always a matter of 'will power' when it comes to depression. For some, it is a true battle.

Yeah I get so depressed I can't walk straight. In times like that I mainly can sleep it off or distract myself by coming to this forum :p but it won't go away. Hanging out with friends is not the right thing to do at these times because it's like an open wound and anything that so much as blows on it irritates it.

Thinking positively is very important but I can't will the heartache and emptiness to go away. There are coping skills to lessen the depression. Thinking negatively is a big no no. Abusing drugs and alcohol is another big no no. But will power isn't going to make the depression go away. Not ever in my case.

Often times when I feel I willed the depression to go away it was simply because the mood swung and I attributed it to my positive thoughts, meditation, or getting up and going for a long run. (Not denying those coping methods are helpful)

But then when the depression returns, those positive thoughts and behaviors have little effect.