Discussion of Depression

[AFK]

In another thread the topic of Depression came up, and I think it warrants a further exploration in the context of BIP.

Mostly because I've heard the comments about the pamphlet.  That we have painted a bleak "black" picture.  "What's the point if you can never escape?"

This, on the surface, can sound like an avenue to depression. 
Someone who didn't think about it, who didn't explore it further, and within, may be tempted to give up. 

We see The Machine(tm) et al and soldier on, wanting to at least survive as ourselves if we obtain no other goal.  Others, may relent, retreat within themselves and go all Cask of Amontilado and brick themselves up.  What separates us? 

Of course the disclaimer should be put out that we all have moments of depression, so I'm talking about long-term. 

[LMNO]

I hate to do this, but it's sort of the "Matrix" argument.

They could have lived in the pretty illusion, but they preferred to exist in the horrific reality.

Something like that.  Also, in order to better yourself/see more troof/change yourself/your world, you need to be aware of your limitations.  I don't get depressed that I can't benchpress a Volvo, because I know my physical limitations prevent me from doing so.  That doesn't depress me.

The only thing "depressing" about the BIP is the cold water of realization that you have limitations you never knew existed.

What if we called it the "Golden Sphere of the Possible", instead?  It means the same thing, really.

[AFK]

The only thing "depressing" about the BIP is the cold water of realization that you have limitations you never knew existed.

What if we called it the "Golden Sphere of the Possible", instead?  It means the same thing, really.

See to me it was one of those cathartic moments with the angels and the glowing sunlight, cloud parting thing.  (well, kind of)  It's interesting how differently people react.  It's a reassurance to know that I see what I have to deal with, and I see how it is most appropriate for me to deal with it.  To see that there is so much that I don't see, and that it's okay and that I should continue to poke around and see what else there is to discover before my Mortality Contract is up.  I dunno, I just wish some people could just have a little more oil on their back. 

[Mangrove]

matrix? 

run away!

run away!


(otherwise the david icke bobbies will find us)

[LMNO]

Actually, I think I'm gonna write up the "Golden Sphere" thing, pretty much using the same thing as the BIP, just using different adjectives.  We'll see where this goes.

[Mangrove]

Actually, I think I'm gonna write up the "Golden Sphere" thing, pretty much using the same thing as the BIP, just using different adjectives.  We'll see where this goes.

aka the mint green wooden hacienda.

[LMNO]

wiff hammock and margarita.

[Cain]

To be depressed about this condition of existence is an attitude of a weak and inflexible mind.

There is an escape, its called suicide.  You can take that route, but it smacks of....well, escapism.  Fear, inability to cope with existence.

Or, you can carry on.  Knowing there are limitations you can never overcome, that you will never create or find perfection, thats there is no logic or rule to your existence.  Taking satisfaction in knowing you can endure without recourse to pretty lies or delusions.

Isn't that in itself a form of victory?

[Benaclypse]

Death makes me suicidally depressed.

[AFK]

I think so.  Standing up and not retreating whether it is by slitting wrists are crawling up into a bottle and calling it home.  Pwn life by pwning life and not letting it pwn you.  Sounds like a life worth living to me.  

[Triple Zero]

To be depressed about this condition of existence is an attitude of a weak and inflexible mind.

There is an escape, its called suicide.  You can take that route, but it smacks of....well, escapism.  Fear, inability to cope with existence.

Or, you can carry on.  Knowing there are limitations you can never overcome, that you will never create or find perfection, thats there is no logic or rule to your existence.  Taking satisfaction in knowing you can endure without recourse to pretty lies or delusions.

Isn't that in itself a form of victory?

whether it's victory or not, it sure as hell doesn't mean i have to just sit down and take it.

and, i think we all got depressed about this condition at some point in our lives, right?

but the fact that we're on this board means that we also got up and continued. that at a certain point we realized that even if you may never get to perfection, maybe even if sometimes you're not making any progress, just sitting still and taking it all up the ass is sure not going to make it better either.

[AFK]

To be depressed about this condition of existence is an attitude of a weak and inflexible mind.

There is an escape, its called suicide.  You can take that route, but it smacks of....well, escapism.  Fear, inability to cope with existence.

Or, you can carry on.  Knowing there are limitations you can never overcome, that you will never create or find perfection, thats there is no logic or rule to your existence.  Taking satisfaction in knowing you can endure without recourse to pretty lies or delusions.

Isn't that in itself a form of victory?

whether it's victory or not, it sure as hell doesn't mean i have to just sit down and take it.

and, i think we all got depressed about this condition at some point in our lives, right?

but the fact that we're on this board means that we also got up and continued. that at a certain point we realized that even if you may never get to perfection, maybe even if sometimes you're not making any progress, just sitting still and taking it all up the ass is sure not going to make it better either.

troof.  Stifling pain ftl to be sure.

[LMNO]

Let's also not forget that depression can also be attributed to a specific mixture of chemicals in the brain, and sometimes we have no direct control over it. 

We can do things, lke excercise, affirmations (more of the "fuck you, I won't take this lying down!" variety as opposed to the "I'm a good person and people like me" type), and medication; but often, depression is not a choice.

On the other hand, sometimes it is a choice.  I know I've been in self-imposed bad moods and black depressions, and I've been known to wallow in them.

[Triple Zero]

but sometimes you really need to wallow for a while.

there's just something in us, that makes us feel comfortable that, at a certain point (rather sooner than later hopefully) we'll get up and dry our tears and think "ok, that's enough wallowing, let's continue and DO something about it".

[P3nT4gR4m]

Let's also not forget that depression can also be attributed to a specific mixture of chemicals in the brain, and sometimes we have no direct control over it. 

Chicken and egg I always thought. Kinda like fat people and metabolism. Diet, lifestyle and (probably) a degree of positive thinking is recommended to break the cycle, neurochemistry gradually follows suit. Professional sources also will proscribe chemical modulation, at least initially.