Posted on June 29th, 2008 by admin

Blues caused by illness go away when the illness goes away so much for them. Exogenous depression, brought on by the big, real problems, gets “solved” when the problems get solved. Endogenous depression not connected with outside happenings might be serious enough to send you to a shrink. Go, by all means (more in a moment).

Less federal endogenous depression, my kind, you simply live with (I went to a shrink for other reasons) and find it’s taken care of—at least mine has been—by the same technique that’s helped me solve all my other (real) problems and get what I want from life: action, self-discipline. I have never been able to think away a depression.

Mine goes away not because of hope, faith, wishing, prayer, religious conviction, transcendental meditation, incurable optimism or any mental activity, and I would not suggest you try to get rid of yours that way either. Mouseburgers get results by acting.

My early-morning blues evaporate because of getting on with whatever I have to do that day which is usually plenty! It starts with exercise. All that bending, stretching, reaching, breathing, gasping, groaning, pounding, hurting—physically punishing yourself a bit toward having a better bod helps! Edward Villella, the ballet star, is said to be physically battered when he finishes his daily practice sessions. If you’re young (or my age and used to it), it’s okay to push your body quite far beyond comfort. So I wake up with the blight, but, after exercising an hour, there is no way you don’t feel better.

It isn’t just exercise that perks me up in the early A.M., though that’s the big helper. (Afraid I’m still babbling about me!) I put on my makeup (which I kind of enjoy because I’m good at it lots of practice and the face responds), get into one of my little outfits which I adore although I’m not on the best-dressed list, and feel better still.

Breakfast gucky stuff (Optifast) that tastes like a thick chocolate malt, made in a blender only eighty calories but twelve grams of protein and delicious while I read The New York Times. Out to get the Number 10 Central Park West bus, and whatever it’s doing out there—snowing, raining, heavenly blue October day, soft, shiny April pink one—I love the look and feel of New York City. On to my office (studying people on the bus), into my world, and by the time I start doing the work I’m good at and get paid well for and am rewarded for . . . well, by then, unless the depression is caused by a BIG PROBLEM, I feel virtually undepressed. I don’t believe there has ever been a time when I have been unable to work—to get on with it—and there shouldn’t be for you, either. Feeling horrible you can’t help. Not getting on with it you can.

And the blessed thing about fighting depression this way is that you don’t need anybody to help you—not a soul; it’s all within your grasp. I guess I’ve always said to myself, Well, I may not be the smartest or brightest or youngest or most beautiful or talented, but by God nobody can self-discipline any better than I can! That I can do. And you understand—I’ve made clear, haven’t I?—what is self-discipline? Just doing whatever you’re supposed to do that day plus a little more if you’re really scared and worried!

Tags: Blues caused by illness, Endogenous depression, Exogenous depression, Solution for Depression, thing about fighting depression