World of Psychology

Finding Optimism

By Sandra Kiume

94 Great Resources for Treating Depression has links to, yes, 94 sites on treating different aspects of depression, from the American Psychological Association to the National Sleep Foundation and alternative therapies, with workbooks, free online CBT, recipes, and more. The list is compiled at the great new blog Finding Optimism. Among the positive views is the entry 12 Best Things About Being Mentally Ill. Check it out.

Time.
I now spend more time on things that are important to me. Example – I have great relationships with my kids. Time with them is invaluable. Unfortunately most Dads don’t spend more than a few minutes a day giving their kids undivided attention. Depression is a good wake-up call.

Perspective.
I’ve developed a much bigger picture of things and learned to keep the small things in perspective. This has been necessary because of depression.

Others.
The best thing about having any illness must be the ability to empathize and help others.

Simple.
I don’t worry about what I’m going to wear. I don’t have to keep track of my clothes cycle for work. I don’t care what I’m going to eat for dinner, whether I need a bigger television, if I can buy a half-decent car or what people think of my extra 30 pounds of insulation. If I didn’t have depression these things would still consume me.


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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 5 Aug 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

APA Reference
Kiume, S. (2007). Finding Optimism. Psych Central. Retrieved on May 26, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2007/08/05/finding-optimism/

 

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