Positive thoughts, positive life :)

[pursuitofhappiness]

I'm slowly recovering from depression and wanted to share how much of a difference it can just make to think positive!! I woke up one day and decided that I had had ENOUGH of feeling worthless and constantly crying and always feeling this overwhelming sadness, I realised that it was up to ME and no one else to change the way I think and to be happy. I just saw this quote online: "Actually, I just woke up one day and decided I didn't want to feel like that anyone, or ever again. So I changed. Just like that". And it's possible! Be grateful for all of the good things in your life, and when you face anything negative, see it as an opportunity to grow, to learn, to overcome, to be better, and to be stronger!! You can do it!! There's goodness all around and we just have to choose to see it and appreciate it! And I just wanted to post the following for anyone who needs this:

"If you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!"

I hope that no part of this post upsets anyone in anyone and I hope it inspires you to make that change and make that decision to be positive. It is so so worth it. I know now that I only have one life so it's up to me to make it the best that it can be. I'm not going to let anyone or anything bring me down because I am worth so much more than that, I deserve to be happy and so do each and everyone of you!

[Jo3]

Hi Pursuitofhappiness

What you wrote is so true.  We only have one life and we need to enjoy and make the most out of what we have.  Life is too short.

And you're right only we can make our life happier, better and change it to a more positive life.  

Good on you for making that decision to start to find your happiness and live your life full of positives.  That is a fantastic step.

I recently had a window of opportunity to reconcile with my parents and we have.  This I believe is my beginning of my healing journey for me. 

Thanks for sharing your post.

Take care and good luck

Jo

[Mares73]

Hi there congratulations on your recovery and thanks for your message. I must admit though that whilst reading it I kept feeling  I'm sure myself & many others on this forum would be well and happy if treatment for depression was just a matter of thinking positively. And I'm a sensitive caring person who already feels compassion for people in situations like those you mentioned. I never thought I'd suffer from this illness-and it is an illness-and the best we can do is try the treatment strategies our Drs, Psychiatrists, Counsellors & support people suggest to assist us to be as well as we can be. Gosh I wish depression was just a matter of positive thinking but personally I don't. I can be doing anything in life and suddenly it can hit me as though I've lost control over my thoughts & then I'm not myself at all. And I'd do anything not to have it. I've seen Drs. Specialists, have just bought 12 Selfhelp books & am constantly trying to make myself better. Yet depression is a difficult and challenging illness. I wish you the best. Mares

[Neil_1]

Hi there PursuitofHappiness;

Like Mares, I too am pleased that you’ve been able to recover from depression. 

Were you a long time sufferer??  Were you on medication, I only ask this one, cause if you were and you’re in a good place, you’ll just need to be careful in coming off it … really slowly.

Your post didn’t upset me … it gave me the same kind of reaction as what Mares described.  My main thought was, “If only it was as simple as waking up and saying to yourself, I’m going to change and today is the day”.

I will say that your middle paragraph really reminded me of someone who has never had depression or cannot understand depression.  I firmly believe older sections of the community and definitely older sections of my family could quote some of those lines from time to time.  A while ago my Mum did mention to me about how I was feeling and I kind of mentioned a little, but no where near what I’m like.  She said, well it’s time you got off those tablets and just pick yourself up and move on.

But again, I’m really pleased that you’ve been able to get through the tunnel and I hope that you continue to improve and really enjoy life.

Neil

Ps:  I thought that all the members of Dire Straits were fellas.   (insert silly giggle)

[pursuitofhappiness]

Hi all, thank you for your responses! 

Thank you Jo and I hope that your healing journey goes well 🙂 Good luck with everything and take care of yourself too!

Mares, I understand where you are coming from and that's why I said I hoped I didn't upset anyone with my post. I hope I didn't come across as insensitive as I didn't mean to, I was just so happy with how everything turned around for me when I made the decision to fight the battle and devote all my energy to trying to be happy again, rather than sink deeper into the overwhelming sadness. I do realise that for others it may take more than "thinking positively" and I really do hope that everyone on this forum continues to recover, to get stronger, and to beat and overcome depression, no matter what it takes.

Same to you Neil, I'm sorry if I sounded insensitive as I didn't mean to. My only reason for posting is that I found what helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel and make me want to devote all my strength to overcoming depression. I've seen many of your posts encouraging so many people on here and I think you're doing a wonderful thing - keep it up and I also hope that you continue to recover 🙂

[Neil_1]

Hey there PursuitofHappiness  

Thank you for your reply and was great hearing from you again.  And you know what, I firmly believe that on this site that no-one should feel the need to say sorry or apologise.  You wrote what you wrote in good faith and was simply telling us your side of things and that was great.  

It’s beyond great that you’ve been able to overcome the demons and to come out on top – that is just outstanding and I (like everyone else who read your post) am so pleased for you and really hope that you continue to find even more happiness and enjoyment.  I know it’s out there … cause I’ve seen ‘other people’.  

Kind regards  

Neil