Depressive. It helps that there is a noun for folks who experience depression. Many years ago, “depressoid” came up. But there is one perspective out there that gives “depressoid” a harsh connotation. Most of us know that good people, brilliant people, creative people, humorous people … struggle with depressive symptoms:
Lincoln (A.), Letterman (D.), and Lennon (J.) … Williams (Robin), West (Jerry), Whitman (Walt), and Wallace (Mike) …
Beethoven, Hornsby (B.), Hopkins (A.), Hemingway (E.) … Jim Carrey (J.), Christie (A.), Carson (J.) … Yes, these are … indeed good people. And they are entitled to respect. The depression for one man I know was connected to an auto accident, when he was rear-ended. An M.D. told him that chronic pain affects the dopamine levels.
There is another man I met many years ago who suffers from a serious case of major depression. He believes, whole heartedly, that it comes from his twenty-five years of passionate drug abuse.
Another man I have come to respect over the years, not a friend but a colleague, disclosed that his mother suffered from a mood disorder that could have been a mania-dominant bipolar disorder.
In my own journey of depression, I have consulted countless folks (no exaggeration); especially over the last fifteen years. Suicide, of course, has been one of the topics commonly disclosed. I really appreciate one particular dialogue I was privileged to be present at, listening in:“Well, suicide is not an option.” “Not an option? What do you mean it’s not an option?” “It’s not an option. It’s not something that can happen.” “Oh, my; you are sadly mistaken. Suicide is always an option. It happens more often than you may think.”
I appreciated the words the second man used for the purposes of reality. I never forgot that conversation. It made me aware how dangerous our thoughts can be; and how reckless our false assumptions can end up being.
And, lastly, it illuminates … quite brightly … courage. For the truly depressed souls, getting up in the morning, takes courage. And using one’s giftedness, as well, takes courage.
I fight depression. But to fight depression I have to think outside the box. I have to be intentional, and proactive. Self-pity is my enemy. Love is the greatest force that I know of. And I learn from my past; otherwise I forsake wisdom. And good friends? Indispensable. Empowerment? Gold.