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Essay: "Overcoming Depression"

A summer cold has had me sleeping more than normal. Sleep is the way our bodies conserve energy for more necessary and immediate tasks, such as fighting off infections. When reality becomes a bit too real to be endured it is human nature to seek refuge in the sweet oblivion of sleep. Sleeping too much is a sure sign you are out of balance, either mentally or physically, and may well mean you are depressed. Like a cold depression is temporary and will usually pass without treatment.

When depression lingers it becomes necessary to take action and fight back. Having dealt with this demon for most of my life, in and out of prison, I know it far too well. I first try to let it run its course and sleep it off. If it lasts more than a week it's time to take more aggressive action. All prisoners need to be aware of their emotional state so they'll know when it's been too long.

What action can you take to pull yourself out of depression? A loaded question. The answer is different for everyone. Pick anything you don't feel like doing and do it. That's the key. Push beyond what you are feeling. If you don't feel like talking to anyone you should find someone to talk to. Exercise can be good if you feel lazy. If it stimulates the brain and gets all those electrodes to fire and start the chemical reactions needed to change your mental state it's sure to be an improvement. Often the only way to overcome depression is to get up, get out and get moving.

For more serious bouts you'll need a confidante. That can be a friend or professional. If you don't feel comfortable sharing the internal conflicts that are causing your depression there is always pen and paper. Write. Let the paper absorb the pain, anger and frustrations: you'll be surprised how much each page can contain. Letters, even if never mailed, are a good way to have your say without making a lot of enemies.

Prisoners need to monitor their emotional state. A journal can help you do that. At least keep a wall calendar and mark events that are important to you emotionally. It'll help you stay aware of the passing of time in a world where the sameness of days can make their edges blur into one eternity of despair.

There is no shame inbeing depressed. Think of it as a cold that affects the mind rather than the sinuses. I'd go so far as to say all prisoners are probably depressed at some point. Any person not depressed by being in prison would surely be a sick individual.

Life is like an ocean. Sometimes the waves are higher than others. Surf the peaks as long as you can because the higher the waves the deeper the troughs between.