You and I have traded some messages before so you're well aware of my own battles. The stigma placed on mental illness by society reminds me of the days when cancer was thought of in the same way, something dirty often referred to as the Big C 'cause we couldn't utter the word. Unless we have open conversations about it, depression will remain a little secret and sufferers will continue to be stigmatized.

Our fast paced world tends to aggravate feelings of isolation and other similar conditions. Yet, as you say, remaining engaged is the best possible medicine. Here's hoping your art will always be there to bring light into your life.

"I notice that the times I'm freest from that way of thinking are the times that I'm engaged in things I'm passionate"

This is so true. We each of us need to find something we are passionate about whether it's playing a sport, an instrument, making things with our bare hands, being with people we love - whatever revs your motor. It's time spent doing those things that gives us the nourishment we all need to see us through the dark times. Cemeteries are full of folk who were "indispensable" in their jobs.

 

 notice that the times I'm freest from that way of thinking are the times that I'm engaged in things I'm passionate about. It's when I'm dancing to the song that comes on the radio which speaks to my soul. it's when I have my hands buried in clay at the wheel and I feel the earthy texture of the world that connects us all (something I haven't done in a long time and really need to do). It's when I'm writing a scene that just flows from my fingertips because my characters are speaking to me and I and the story are traveling on the same wave length.

 

Life is meant to be art, and most people treat it as work. Many times I do too, but when I treat living as an art, I am free. Those people who harass and belittle the contribution you make to this community and the world around you in general; those are people who have forgotten what art is. They have forgotten what it means to be alive.

That stood out for me. While I haven't been depressed, these last several years I have been really stressed thanks to school. With each successive year in high school, the less I did things I truly enjoyed: drawing each weekend and reading for leisure. As a consequence I felt I was missing something vital. 

That's not to say things haven't gotten better, because they have. I am not as stressed and I have begun to read the things I want to again (gosh the reading assignments were often a nightmare) and one day (hopefully) I'll get back to drawing for the fun of it

Thanks for sharing Cynus

"but when I treat living as an art, I am free." That is beautiful. Unfortunately, the mundane is necessary, and as humans our instinct for survival means we do what is required. I have friends who aren't 'creative', yet they do create. There is an art to doing practically everything. The sadness is in spending your life doing something you hate, and are not good at. I agree that looking at the world as a whole can be depressing... overwhelming even. But to withdraw from it is no answer. If we concentrate on what we are passionate about, and can handle without stressing ourselves into an early grave, a balance can be found. I'm talking about finding your place in the outside world. Many of us 'creative' people are sensitive, and that can be to our detriment if we let it. The words you spoke to this person above, spoke to me as well. Your outlook is evolving, Cynus, and it sounds to me like you are aware of, and reaching for, that balance. In other words... I think you are understanding that we don't always get to do what we want, but we must appreciate it when we do. It's all about taking the bad with the good, and learning to live a satisfying existence within that. I'll stop rambling now. Thank you for this blog post... I'm worried a little less about you . Cheers... Gary

I grew up with a mentally ill family member. Things have definitely improved since the 70's, not just treatment but societies attitude. Depression and other mental illnesses are no longer considered as contagious as the common cold. However we have a very long way to go.

As others have said, anything we don't talk about can remain hidden or just misunderstood.  Kudos on speaking out!