Posted by HooWha on March 19, 1999, at 2:27:31
In reply to answer, posted by Something to think about, ......... on March 11, 1999, at 19:42:17
If you were hurt or upset about my second message Dante, I am sorry. Your message was meant with the best intentions and wishes, I'm sure.
I have to respectfully disagree with Anonymous' interpretation, though. I read it as exactly saying that you can think your way to happiness. It says "...and i choose to be in a good mood." When in a depression I do not have this choice. It doesn't work. The switch can be "on", but the light's doesn't light.
I do believe in positive thinking, BTW; it's critical, and truly is the path to happiness. Acceptance of what, and being happy with, whatever you've got IS possible, IMO. Zen sort of stuff -- Yeah it's true. But, NOT when you're clinically depressed. Learning that the hard way cost me 30 years.
Because of my experience (and maybe it differs from Dante's) I am lead to think that that author has never experienced clincal depression, and is also confusing depression with "everyday blues." I am lead even more to think that because it's so common for people to do that. Again, maybe Dante doesn't mean that, and he/she and Jeff are just different than me, though.
If the word "depression" wasn't thrown around so freely, and if society in general could accept that will alone cannot conquer every problem in the universe, I might interpret the story differently. If one is normal, though -- is in a 'normal' mood -- then yes, I believe what he/she says is valuble. Very valuble.
If you meant that Dante, then I agree. And I apologise for my making fun of you. But if you meant that it's always a choice, I disagree. And apologise for making fun of you. (It was more of a joke about the concept, BTW, though this doesn't excuse the effects it could have on someone). That latter idea has meant much loss for me, and keeps me from speaking to really anyone about my mood disorder(s). I do not believe it, and cannot bear to hear that blasted sentiment.
-HooWha
poster:HooWha
thread:3621
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/3809.html