Posted by AMenz on August 10, 2001, at 23:49:21
In reply to Re: Art and depression - Wendy +V + All, posted by mickey on August 10, 2001, at 11:10:35
Does it occur to anyone here, that the thoughts that haunt depressives are part and parcel of the disordered mood? Depression in less drastic forms is part of the human condition and must serve an evolutionary purpose. I have to assume depression must have been very adaptive to hominids living in cold climates with cold winters. I can think of nothing better than to load up on carbohydrates, feel like shit, and not move from the cave, and having thoughts of hopelessness overwhelm you should you think of stirring outside.
To me it is more likely that this depressive normal condition becomes a malady when either transplanted to the incorrect social setting (like our 24/7 environment), or when the brain malfunctions and sets up this depressive reaction for no good environmental reason.
Therefore I do not worry about where the thoughts come from, nor think that the thoughts are the depression but a biproduct of it.
I think it is a thorough waste of time to analyze the content of the thoughts and hope thereby to stem the depression. I've been down that path many a time.
Anti depressants, stopping alcohol use, walking vigorously, and meditation have done better by me. A little self talk has helped but not to where I drive myself crazy as some people do in cognitive therapy. For example when depressed I tend to say to myself "I want to die." If I catch myself saying that, I substitute "get better" for "die" which is really what I want.
As for the art, you can do something everyday for a set period, 15 minutes, while giving yourself permission to have it be lousy, thereby turning off that all too ubiquitous censor.
Again of course these are merely opinions of mine. Take them for what they're worth to you, though I do hope it helps.
> "There is no one to beat you, no one to defeat you, except the thoughts of yourself feeling bad"
>
> From Romona by B. Dylan
>
> These "thoughts", where do they come from? I have analized this peculiarity for many years. I know we weren't born with them. I also realize they have many faces. The obvious source would appear to be our primary care givers. We thus begin to develop and internalize a vision of ourselves. Whatever that vision may be we begin to act out this representation. For some it may be blessings and for others a curse.
>
> For those of us short on blessings but stygmatized by curses it would seem we begin to turn on ourselves. Some people gain inner strenght and can fight off these demons or ghosts. I have studied cognitive therapy for some time and have been focused on the critical parent ego state. What a monster it can be.
>
> And what havoc it can wreak on the child ego state. The only thing that stands between the two is the adult ego state (logical and rational) which in many cases seems to shrink into oblivion.
>
> My therapist suggests that "these thoughts" lower seratonin levels. That cleared some things up for me and makes a great deal of sense regarding Dysthymia (depression as a life style).
>
> It is all terribly fascinating and disturbing at the same time. My therapist has pointed out that if one lacks a powerful nurturing parent ego state then we must invent our own. For me, my father died when I was seven. I have been instructed to create a nurturing father within, or mother, whatever the case may be.
>
> I am sure you all know this stuff but I felt I had to write it out. This is quite a challenge. Do you have any ideas on how to procceed?
>
> "Sometimes I feel like a feather in the wind.
> A long way from home"
>
> from "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child."
>
> Mickey
poster:AMenz
thread:73757
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74569.html