Depression reflects genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. I believe that in our age group it may also emerge from the polarities that we were raised with, and the realization that our expectations of black and white, good and bad, etc are simply not achievable. That’s why “non pharmacological” approaches have benefit (perhaps as adjuncts to meds.) Walking, meditation, prayer, and music are connectors to that realm of existence that is beyond cognition and beyond judgment.
This is an important message for seniors to hear. Thanks for writing about it. Thanks, also, for being generous enough to share your personal story. I can relate, Don. As far as mood-enhancing music, I can recommend an early Elvis Costello album entitled “Get Happy.” 🎶
Don, thanks for your transparency and authenticity. I honor your efforts to not only turn your attitude around but to also help others age positively and with grace. The world needs more people with your attitude and insights.
I am one of those people who's naturally happy, optimistic, and energetic. Despite that, I too have my days. Those days usually come from taking life too seriously and returning too hard, from eating poorly, and from hanging around the wrong people. A daily walk helps me right my ship and get back to a more balanced life.
Keep sharing your path. I'll keep learning from you.
Hi, Don. I am blessed to have been dealt a fair dose of positivity and optimism in my DNA, but, as you note, "Even optimistic geezers get the blues sometimes." Always in pursuit of influencing more positivity going forward, I strive to awaken and force into my awareness that each new day I begin has every possibility of being a most wonderful, rewarding day. You would not believe how hard it is to remember to perform this simple, affirming exercise. It's worthwhile to make the effort....as it jump starts your day with a smile on your face!
Very brave post. This is still so hard to talk about. Hard for our generation not to feel that we are somehow the problem, when that is not the case. Says someone who has battled bouts of low-level depression (sometimes, not so low level) on and off forever, and never sought any counseling or treatment. Because, this is just how I'm made, right?
Of all your articles I’ve read so far (and they’re all great), this one resonates with me the most, not just because I’ve been in the caregiver of people suffering depression for most of my life, but because of my own struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of my third child. The more open people are about it, the more likely the stigma is to fade. And, I loved that comment about not being able to feel like hot coffee when the world feels like cold oatmeal! Wit on point!
Thank you, Don, for keeping it real, and for explaining the benefits - and limitations - of antidepressants. I, too, am a lifer. The first half of my life, without an antidepressant, was pretty miserable and pessimistic, to be honest. With this medicine and therapy, I've become an optimist. But there are still some days when I'm bedridden with curtains closed. I accept those days and move on. To Life!
Thanks for your willingness to write about how you really feel (some of the time). I'm curious about your prayer. When you pray, are you referring to some part of the traditional liturgy or do the words come spontaneously?
When Positivity Goes South
Depression reflects genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. I believe that in our age group it may also emerge from the polarities that we were raised with, and the realization that our expectations of black and white, good and bad, etc are simply not achievable. That’s why “non pharmacological” approaches have benefit (perhaps as adjuncts to meds.) Walking, meditation, prayer, and music are connectors to that realm of existence that is beyond cognition and beyond judgment.
Just a thought….
This is an important message for seniors to hear. Thanks for writing about it. Thanks, also, for being generous enough to share your personal story. I can relate, Don. As far as mood-enhancing music, I can recommend an early Elvis Costello album entitled “Get Happy.” 🎶
Don, thanks for your transparency and authenticity. I honor your efforts to not only turn your attitude around but to also help others age positively and with grace. The world needs more people with your attitude and insights.
I am one of those people who's naturally happy, optimistic, and energetic. Despite that, I too have my days. Those days usually come from taking life too seriously and returning too hard, from eating poorly, and from hanging around the wrong people. A daily walk helps me right my ship and get back to a more balanced life.
Keep sharing your path. I'll keep learning from you.
Thank you! It's nice to know I'm not the only one!
Hi, Don. I am blessed to have been dealt a fair dose of positivity and optimism in my DNA, but, as you note, "Even optimistic geezers get the blues sometimes." Always in pursuit of influencing more positivity going forward, I strive to awaken and force into my awareness that each new day I begin has every possibility of being a most wonderful, rewarding day. You would not believe how hard it is to remember to perform this simple, affirming exercise. It's worthwhile to make the effort....as it jump starts your day with a smile on your face!
I commend you for your courage to write this but even more for your willingness to help others on the journey you are on.
I love your authenticity and vulnerability in your writing. You’re an inspiration, Don. This was so encouraging. Thank you
LeRoux!
Very brave post. This is still so hard to talk about. Hard for our generation not to feel that we are somehow the problem, when that is not the case. Says someone who has battled bouts of low-level depression (sometimes, not so low level) on and off forever, and never sought any counseling or treatment. Because, this is just how I'm made, right?
Of all your articles I’ve read so far (and they’re all great), this one resonates with me the most, not just because I’ve been in the caregiver of people suffering depression for most of my life, but because of my own struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of my third child. The more open people are about it, the more likely the stigma is to fade. And, I loved that comment about not being able to feel like hot coffee when the world feels like cold oatmeal! Wit on point!
Thank you, Don, for keeping it real, and for explaining the benefits - and limitations - of antidepressants. I, too, am a lifer. The first half of my life, without an antidepressant, was pretty miserable and pessimistic, to be honest. With this medicine and therapy, I've become an optimist. But there are still some days when I'm bedridden with curtains closed. I accept those days and move on. To Life!
Thanks for your willingness to write about how you really feel (some of the time). I'm curious about your prayer. When you pray, are you referring to some part of the traditional liturgy or do the words come spontaneously?
*not ‘in’ the caregiver! *the caregiver