Hi Jo,
Just wanted to mention here that I am not religious nor follow any group, person or such. I pluck out of people things I find interesting or quotes/attitudes that can fuel my knowledge about life and its challenges.
Quotes from the Deli Lama, Maharaji (Prem Rawat), Winston Churchill and Ghandi are a few. And I make my own up from deep thinking episodes. All this helps me focus some more time on positive things, the more time I spend doing that the less time I'm spending on negative thoughts. This causes the balance to be more balanced.
Neil is right about depression being like the weather- a good analogy. I would have also thought we depressed people are like dodgem cars, hitting walls and other cars without warning.
Some of my quotes you might be interested in Jo,
"At an island called arrogance people stand under palm trees. If a coconut falls upon their heads....its always the coconuts fault"
""Your life includes you....but is not all about you"
"Some say it takes two to make a conflict....no it can just take one to be non negotiable"
"All of mans weapons, his muscle, his brawn and his might will never surpass the impact of a womans silence"
"I sit on a hilltop among ants, birds, rock wallabies and echindas...I wasnt alone after all.
"Giving to others is a pill I will always swallow. But with some it will need to be spat out"
"Only when one partner leave the relationship does the dice of the game lie idle"
"Some parents never grow up so for the other its a household of children"
"One never wins an arguement with arms crossed"
"Financial security can be measured with luck, financial success can be measured with hard work"
"Even grumpy old trees need water and care"
"If a child has a forgiving parent she has everything. If the child makes no effort she has nothing"
A parent can lift a child but sometimes the child must left their arms first"
"Stubborn people never acknowledge they are. Stubborn families know no other way."
"If you want me to carry you then learn to collapse"
"Fatherhood.....my ex wife can never replace it, my children can never erase it and I can never abandon it"
"My dog can sense evil in a passer by.....a slight woof....I need to learn how to woof a bit"
"The fresh air kiss.....is showing love to only the atmosphere of your personal space"
So Jo, Mood comes and goes and it can be annoying. But as you retrieve some control on your life the downers become less frequent and more tolerable. From unbearable to managed, devastating to acceptable..
