Everyone goes through it. It’s talked about a lot more with the fairer sex than it is with us knuckle draggers, but I can tell you that I go through it and it’s real.
I grew up poor. My father worked very hard, but he was uneducated and hard work will only get you so far financially. I still can’t look at a pancake to this day because we ate them so much when times were tough. I always believed I would be happier with money and material things.
Fast forward, I have an education, material things, a fantastic job and guess what, I still have days where I overthink everything and wonder “what is this all for?” It’s just life.
If you’re clinically depressed, get some help. I’ve never been to a therapist because my own arrogance has convinced me that there is nothing that they can tell me that I don’t already know.
Take a break from cannabis. When I’m stuck in a rut, cannabis makes it worse for me. I’m sure it helps some people, but not me.
Take a break from the board. I love this place, but all it takes is one negative interaction with another member and it impacts my mood for the whole day. It’s not worth it. Social media in general is a roller coaster of highs and lows and I just can’t let it dictate my mood.
My mood lifter is a small accomplishment. It’s easy to lay around on the couch all day and wish I was cleaning out that spare room that’s piled to the ceiling with junk, but when I force myself to get off the couch and accomplish something, I get a different kind of high that lasts for a couple of days.
Depression and anxiety tend to get worse with age, but you have to face it head on and not let it control you. Easier said than done, I know, but I refuse to let it dictate who I am.
Pat is right. Exercise is a great mood lifter and can help motivate you to do more. Get out of the house. Even if it’s only a trip to the supermarket. Get out and interact with other people.
Last but not least, remember that no matter how bad it seems for you, many have it a lot worse. Empathy for others can give you a real appreciation for what you have and what’s important.