The election also reminded us of leaders of the past who let with integrity and purpose despite dealing with depression. Lincoln battled depression – his law partner often said that “his melancholy dripped from him as he walked.” – but he also gave us wisdom, faith and hope, and forgiveness.
Depression today seems to engulf us. Much of that is due to the instant information we can get via news or Facebook or Twitter and other media outlets. Mayo Clinic defines depression as a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. For some of us it is temporary and for others it is a constant companion.
You may be under a doctor’s care for your depression. That is well and good as often the depression fight involves medication for the ill brain. However, there are things to do in addition to that. Get up and get out to exercise in some way, shape, or form. And get around people while you are doing it. We all know how depression plays on loneliness.
And depression plays on our allowing the thoughts depression offers to grow and take over. One of the most powerful things we can do when we are able is to strike down those negative thoughts with positive ones, no matter how small and no matter how often we do it. Any positive things we can think of is one thing that dims the depression. It might not be a cure it but it does help.
And if you haven’t sought help for your depression and you feel you need help, remember that in the words of Lincoln, “Melancholy is a misfortune. It is not a fault.” Seeking help gives you even more ways to attack the demon of depression with a positive train of thought and activities.
-Bernadette
Filed under: Clinical depression, depression recovery, health, Illiness of depression, Mental health, mental health issues, mental illness | Tagged: depression, election blues, positivity, presidents | 1 Comment »