DEPRESSION- IS THERE ANY POSITIVE?

[white knight]

I've mentioned in some of my posts (I'm a newbie) about how I believe there is, in nearly everything we do and experience, something positive out of a negative.

I have depression among my other issues of bipolar 2, dysthymia and anxiety. When in a depressive state  often sufferers think there is nothing they can do about it except 'wait it out'.  That is so true. We feel helpless. Friends and family feel even more helpless and powerless.

What I find amazing however is the long list of people in show business and other unusual occupations that have/had depression or other mental illness.  Here is a short list-

Buzz Aldrin, Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Jon Bon Jovi, Jim Carey (classic ADHD etc), Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Jonny Depp, John Denver, Diana Princess of Wales, Bob Dylan, Harrison Ford, Angelina Jolie, John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe, Marie Osborne, Dolly Parton, Brad Pitt, Jessica Rowe,  J.K.Rowling, Vincent Van Gough, Robbie Williams, Brian Wilson, Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Cobain, Patty Duke, Stephen Fry, Mel Gibson, etc

That list is a small number of those listed on wiki.  Clever talented people that all have extreme ability.  Is it just possible that YOU have some form of ability that is unique to you? Just like these people?

For me I found it in 1994 in the form of poetry.  And here's my point- If I had not had the extreme emotion I possess....I would not have written any of my 250 poems I've written.  Most of my poetry is highly emotional, can make people cry, can sooth those that have lost a loved one by 'connecting' with the emotions of the one that grieves.  This seemed a small progress in my character at the time for I wasnt diagnosed until 2003 9 years later.  So initially I brushed it off as 'just becoming a poet'.  But it was soooo much more than that.  Firstly it was a way of discovering my inner thoughts, creativity and emotions. Secondly it was a tool of self therapy and thirdly it immersed me into a world of my choosing away from all other distractions.  For every poem I've kept in my folders I've thrown away 10 or so that were not up to standard. Daily I pick up a pen when a good or bad thought enters my mind and I start writing.

As sufferers of mental illness you might already have your specialised hobby, talent.  If not then consider searching for it.  You are unique, there is nobody on this earth the same as YOU. The nearest is if you are a twin.  Even then YOU are YOU. You are beautiful, there is only one.....of you. 

My wife is finishing off a scarf. She has already made a beanie and mittens. We are to drop them off to her mothers as a late mothers day gift on Wednesday...2 days time.  They are unique, they are full of love, they are INVALUABLE!  PRICELESS! They are so much more that knitted wool.

We battle depression and its a struggle.  We can also try to help ourselves with altering our state of mind even minutely. Finding your own talent might help. Good luck

[blondguy]

Dear Tony WK

Your first post really touched me....a lot...I was actually looking through your list of well known people checking for Abraham Lincoln....and yes!....you listed him....He had very deep depression and yet he was President of The United States.....I think what you have posted is an inspiration....

* You Tony..are no 'newbie'....in any shape or form of the word.....sorry thats just reality...

* You are humble and posess a kind heart.....

* I have read many of your posts and you have so very much to offer...I have learned much off your posts WK

* Its just my humble opinion WK but thats all....I have had GAD...Depression since Duran Duran released 'Rio' or 'Hungry like the Wolf'.....but I treat my disorder as a physiological issue.  

* I use a crutches (in my mind) but no-one can see them.....There is no difference to a person that does 🙂

* There are wonderful people like you WK that help me help myself and for that I thank you...so much

* This is all chemically based.....as in the disorder...physiological.....no difference to using a walking stick...

* Due to 'Privacy Regs' I cant ask you for more of your poetry.....It is wonderful

I am battling similar physical symptoms...I do hope and trust you will find some peace

Very kind Thoughts to you sincerely WK 🙂

Paul

Woof!

[white knight]

Thankyou Paul, wow, what a couple of replies here. It's so good.

I have some poetry mainly at the beginning of the poetry thread. But if you like, here are some whereby I've turned negatives into positives. Even my childrens way written.

THE BLACK WIDOW

The male black widow spider tried all his life

he tried to tickle the hairy legs of his larger black widow wife

Suddenly he had a wine, something at last to gloat

she began to laugh aloud...as his leg slid down her throat

Poor male black widow, was always to get into strife

all because he couldn't understand...the nature of his hairy wife....

CHOOKA CHOOK

Chooka chook had an angry look as she washed the dishes dry

her friend, Pecky the hen, was taken away to be fried

Then Rooty rooster came to pass and saw chooka sad,

"don't be sad, be glad...you haven't been baked or cooked

              or fried till your skin is black"

"unlike Daffy Duck, who got cooked till he couldn't quack"

Chooka Chook no longer sooked, she did her dishes fast

She never cried while she had her hide....she lived each day as her last.....

THE CORNER OF THE BUSH

 

Given society a gentle push

Arrived in the corner of the bush

Moved fast lane aside for harmony

Closer to ones own – destiny

 

Shadow moon shines infinitely

Night owls a symphony

Sitting arms in Buddha pose

Spiders allowed to dance upon my nose

 

Furry paws best caring hand

No shield needed in wonderland

No internet, no dog and bone

The stones there are never thrown

 

In the corner of the bush

Give society a gentle push

Blending bark with your skin

Protesters nearby – but they will not
win

 

Children nearby ‘hide and seek’

We all end up as a compost heap

Fun and more fun echoes all around

Some life lived – some never found

 

Further and further into branches and
leaves

Like us, do animals grieve?

Bush no need for duck and weave

Only matters – what you believe

 

Hark the bells of sanity

No mirror for your vanity

Rocks thrown from a cowards lair

I’m in the bush…no quarry there

 

Trip over plastic traps

Cradle broken bird in your lap

Send the rest off with that gentle
push

From the corner of the bush


Thankyou.   Tony WK