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This week Eric responds to a follow on Twitter.
I posted a tweet the other day that said:
“The best way out of depression is to hate it and not let yourself get used to it”
I got this response from a follower:
“NOT TRUE – you cannot will yourself out of incorrect wiring in the brain. Watch the platitudes!”
In this episode I discuss the role of anger, will and resolve in dealing with depression.
Jacob says
I think the follower you’re responding to is begging the question. You’re both right. Even if someone or something helps you out of entrenched depression, whether you stay out of it (at least the worst of it) is largely up to your efforts. For people with severe depression, both external and internal forces are essential to something like recovery.
Eric Zimmer says
I agree…well said.
Jack says
Thanks for this,
I was thinking along these lines while walking home from a friend’s house tonight.
I suffer from depression and I’ve been told so many times that it’s not a case of willpower and it’s all brain chemistry etc. but I think many people have created this duality between the brain and ‘ourselves’ as if they are somehow separate and act independently of one another.
I believe our actions become our character and taking positive steps to be healthier in general, whether it be exercise or healthy eating, will eventually lead to a healthier brain chemistry. After all, our brains are part of our body… not a separate entity!
I believe I play the lead role in beating depression and I’m not willing to accept a life sentence of mental illness. Through a positive attitude, clinical help and rehabilitation, and an attempt each day to be the best I can be, I will come out of this fight on top.
I am willing to keep failing until I succeed too!
You worded this well so thanks for doing so,
Jack
June says
I don’t not think depression is just to do with brain chemistry
Mental health research cannot definitely explain the brain or it’s chemistry so we can’t say for sure that it is wrong wiring
Research has shown that the brain is plastic and can be rewired
By changing actions we can change wriring and help change chemistry anyway
So positive action despite living with pain is the way to go ..