I have to respectfully disagree. When I was going through a horrible depression my shrink would encourage me to go to mass like it was an AA meeting. Perhaps it was a tool she used because it held a place in my family history...a foundation that was familiar.
Others mileage might vary, of course.
Depression—real dark depression, is not cured by a pat on the back and a “buck up” speech.
I am so grateful for my family and wife who helped me from that hole.
That abyss can be alluring if you listen to it.
I don’t know that we are disagreeing.
I see the spiritual healing, accepting help from counseling all as working wonders, and not constant heavy drugs, rationalization or self reliance. Perhaps I was unclear in my post.
True. Telling someone to cheer up or buck up won’t work. Most depressions are caused by a distorted sense of reality and can be cured with cognitive therapy. Many times it can be done with self help.
You ain't kidding. It tries to lure you in like a siren. I still struggle with it. Some days I'm fine, but it can come upon me very quickly. July 31st was my last really bad day. Thankfully that particular time only lasted a day.
“That abyss can be alluring if you listen to it.”
Can it ever. It isn’t something I like to think about but I’ve been there.