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From: booter@lll-crg.ARpA (Elaine Richards)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: The Black Dog
Message-ID: <1204@lll-crg.ARpA>
Date: Fri, 24-Jan-86 02:18:04 EST
Article-I.D.: lll-crg.1204
Posted: Fri Jan 24 02:18:04 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 25-Jan-86 08:21:01 EST
Organization: Cadillac Ranch, Oakland
Lines: 39
Keywords: Churchill, Lincoln, et al


*Strange titles don't feed line eaters*

There has been a lot of chatter about depression. We wonder about our
responsibility to our depressed friends, we , we discuss suicides and we
wonder what causes it.

Interestingly enough, no depressives have really come forth and described it.
Many great people have been chronic depressives. Churchill named his spells
of depression "The Black Dog". It would come in the room like a great black dog
and sit beside him. Lincoln referred to his "melancholy". Despite the bizarre
postings I place, I too get "spells". One lasted for two years.

From my position, I can say that it is noone's responsibility but the
depressive's to seek help. I say "seek". You should offer only once or
twice, "Anything I can do?" This allows your friend to realize that help
is available. If they don't want it, they are the only ones to carry any
responsibility.

I pulled myself out of the two year depression only after a woman I knew
said the obvious. Seek help. Nothing to be ashamed of. A few brief conver-
sations with a college psychologist and two years of *BIG* Black Dog went
back to the doghouse. The dog still visits. I finally have figured out my
methods of dealing with it. One, I accept it ,like a arthritic accepts
aching knuckles. Two, I figured out ways to thwart it. Mine aren't FROM
situations, they pick something at random as a reason to exist. Three, I
gave up being shy about it. I always feel better after lots of hugs and
"there there"s. (Not everyone wants that, but I sure do)

So, at least ask your friend if they need anything. Ask twice (gently) so
it sinks in that you love them. If they say yes, get them out into the sun
and talk (sunlight helps-I KNOW). If no, maybe they will find someone/thing
else.


So what's all this about responsibility....

E
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