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Post by Dave Dexter on Oct 11, 2017 10:34:16 GMT
I forgot to post this yesterday but I imagine it still counts. I still feel this is weird oversharing, even though the pathological equivalent of saying "I have a persistent fever that can affect my work" would seem more legitimate. For this reason and many others, I think it's important to do my tiny bit in raising awareness of mental health/depression/all that lovely stuff until I don't feel it's some kind of sham. Attachments:
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Post by Bob Porter on Oct 11, 2017 14:56:48 GMT
Dave,
I think on some level, most of us have some kind of stuff to sort out. But unlike you, most of us may not be willing to face it for what it is. Keep writing. And remember, there is nothing quite like a good distortion guitar solo.
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Post by David Unger on Oct 11, 2017 17:47:02 GMT
Thanks for posting Dave. Depression can be a really tough thing to carry around. I am currently under evaluation of whether I too am depressed and can tell you that for me just realizing that I actually might need some help (and that my state of mind might deserve to be recognised - by myself at least - and might actually be able to do something about) has been a long journey. How much longer the upcoming journey may be - who knows? But I think it is important not to hide it because we feel ashamed - it's not as if depression is something we have chosen - because there really is nothing to be ashamed of. This is how we are (at present at least) and everyone around us have to meet us just as we are much the same way we have to face ourselves (and them). And if we are true to ourselves and the people around us I think all of these meetings will be a lot smoother. All hopes for the best to you Dave and we will try to meet you for who you are here on the forum at least.
Cheers
David
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Post by Dave Dexter on Oct 12, 2017 16:50:26 GMT
Thanks Bob & Dave. Yes, "stuff" is pretty common but I think very often it's diminutised as a transitory thing with phrases like "the blues", "black dog" etc. Added to the social stigma that's still around, a lot of people would rather say they're a bit down, or have the blues, than wonder if they have some variety of cyclical depression. The end result is the same, except you're more equipped, and it obviously doesn't make you less of a man or anything ridiculous to take that kind of look at yourself - not that everyone necessarily needs to!
David, just knowing there's an upcoming journey will make it easier. Once you know - although from my perspective, if you feel you're depressed you're the best person to evaluate that and you know already - you'll recognise the idiosyncrasies of how it manifests with you, and how to deal with and combat it. From tiny things like walks, to medication.
I find this inspiring:
(context if you don't know the site - the main guys talking are writer and artist of a huge webcomic/company). A particular thing Jerry said resonates with me - "If I was having a good day I could mathematically guarantee how bad the next few days were going to be." It's not routinely that awful for me, but when I have a day when I'm in a particularly good mood for no obvious reason, things are probably going to go grey. I haven't gone for meds yet, but it's exciting to think the effect they could have. Anyway, carry on with that evaluation, talk to a professional, and see what they can do.
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Post by driscollmusick on Oct 12, 2017 20:53:01 GMT
Thanks for sharing, Dave. I bet depression (clinical or not) is not uncommon at all for the folks on this board. While we all have the desire to create and share art, it is a particular frustration of the composer that the true sharing of one's art with others is so difficult to achieve...
For unavoidable personal reasons, my partner has been living about 1700 miles from me for the past few months and since we moved to a new state last year, I don't have a lot of local friends. I wouldn't say I was depressed, but the first couple months were pretty rough. However, in the past few weeks, things have become a lot better. Something about simplifying your life so much that all you can see is the daily routine helped me clarify and tackle the behaviors that were not productive. And as I have begun to nudge myself out of the bad habits, I am starting to see some real positive impact.
Like I imagine others on this forum, my musical productivity is my main source of happiness. I just have to remind myself to focus on the habits that support it.
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