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Regarding Depression And The State Of The World.

Cynus

Entry posted by Cynus

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I received a message from someone who read my last blog entry, "Social Anxiety and Crying Wolf", and who thanked me for sharing my experience, as it related to their own. This was the second of two messages that addressed the same subject, and I don't know what came over me as I was responding, but the words flowed like magic, and I just wanted to share my response with you now. I hope it's not too forward. :)

 


Thank you for the message. :) I remember watching a video a couple of years ago about depression, and ever since then I've wanted to be more vocal about it. I've heard numerous things described as "the silent killer", but I think depression is the one that fits the bill the best. I realize that we're talking about social anxiety here, but if you're anything like me then social anxiety goes hand in hand with depression. I don't believe that depression has to be "the silent killer", and I think that the more we talk about it, the more we'll learn to combat it effectively.

 

Here's the link to the video: https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic?language=en#t-13337

 

I completely relate to what you're saying about your experiences, of course. It sounds similar to my own situation(I refrain from saying they're the same, only because I can't truly climb inside your head and know exactly how you feel). I wish that it was easier, but it just gets to you, doesn't it? Sometimes people just aren't worth dealing with, and almost like it's a defensive measure against the world trying to suck our souls away, we retreat into the world of our own creation, where it's safe and we're no longer vulnerable.

 

I think that we, as a society, are living in some sort of crazy dream state, where we somehow always seem to ignore what's really going on. Like how we've applied such fragile and ultimately meaningless purpose to life as a species in order to do nothing but eat, work for money to afford to eat, sleep to do more work all over again and eventually die, without having accomplished anything great at all. I don't mean that to sound depressing here, because I know that there's an alternative, but I do think that the general state of the world matches that statement.

 

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 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.

 

I don't know what it was that made me write all of this, and I hope I didn't sound like I was rambling. I hope that you find some use out of my words, and that your life has been made better by this conversation. I am grateful for the time you took to respond, and hope that more people like us will be able to gain from our continued exploration of the subject.

 

May you find peace in your endeavors, my friend.

 

To anyone who took the time to read this, thank you. I appreciate all of you who help make this community the wonderful place that it is.

 

Peace,

 

Cynus

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Reader1810
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"Life is meant to be art, and most people treat it as work."

 

I really like that line. I see parallels between how I used to live and how I am trying to live today.  For too many years, I sacrificed living for working.

 

I'm no longer working to live and boy does that feel great.

 

Thanks for for another insightful bit of writing. :)

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Valkyrie
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:hug:  :hug:  :hug: 

 

I think that the more we talk about it, the more we'll learn to combat it effectively.

 

This is so true.  It can be so difficult for some people to talk about it or even admit there's a problem because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Or even worse, when people think you need to just 'get over it'.  Talking about is the way to reduce that stigma, and I think that people tend to me much more understanding now than in the past.  Education regarding these disorders is key.  Thanks for sharing this.  :)

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Carlos Hazday

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.

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Zombie

"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.

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Drew Espinosa

 

 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 :hug:

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Headstall

"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

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DynoReads

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!

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