OT – Feelings of Melancholy, Life Plans Going Forward

[Ricechex]

Wow. Many years ago on a road trip back from LV I was thinking about how people crossed in covered wagons. They lived to get out west and died in childbirth, and sometimes due to weather conditions/food were left to die without burial. Each day was a fight for survival. They didn’t have time to worry about whether they were happy, had no future, directionless, etc.

Unfortunately, or fortunately for us, because our basic needs are met, we have the time and energy to contemplate this ideal of “happiness.” Maybe, we aren’t supposed to be happy? Maybe, just being “okay” is good enough? Would it help to adjust your expectations?

Sounds like you are here for Erikson’s Stages of Development:
7. Middle Adulthood: 35 to 55 or 65

Ego Development Outcome: Generativity vs. Self absorption or Stagnation

Basic Strengths: Production and Care

Now work is most crucial. Erikson observed that middle-age is when we tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family. Also, middle adulthood is when we can expect to “be in charge,” the role we’ve longer envied.

The significant task is to perpetuate culture and transmit values of the culture through the family (taming the kids) and working to establish a stable environment. Strength comes through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which Erikson calls generativity, so when we’re in this stage we often fear inactivity and meaninglessness.

As our children leave home, or our relationships or goals change, we may be faced with major life changes—the mid-life crisis—and struggle with finding new meanings and purposes. If we don’t get through this stage successfully, we can become self-absorbed and stagnate.

Significant relationships are within the workplace, the community and the family.
http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm

The other thing that came to mind, and I am quite serious is: Pre-Menopause. Could be your hormones are all jacked up. For a holistic approach, recommend, per day:
1 capsule 1000 mg Vitamin C
1 capsule Phyto-Estrogen
Daily Tincture of Vitex, Elixir for Women

[nocommonsense]

I, as you, have zero interest in organized religion. As us, the God of the Bible WANTS to have real and personal relationships with each of us through Christ.

[quote=scaredycat]the problem with the depression diagnosis froma doctor is, maybe the reaosn you’re depressed is that your life is not being lived right. in toher words, the doctor might say hell you sound depressed to me, give you some drugs to mask the symptoms, and you go one living in a way that is wrong. i think most people probably should be depressed with what we have that passes or life around here.

I’d be surprised if you could find a spiritual experience in an organized religion, but what the hell, go for it.[/quote]

[nocommonsense]

I, as you, have zero interest in organized religion. As us, the God of the Bible WANTS to have real and personal relationships with each of us through Christ.

[quote=scaredycat]the problem with the depression diagnosis froma doctor is, maybe the reaosn you’re depressed is that your life is not being lived right. in toher words, the doctor might say hell you sound depressed to me, give you some drugs to mask the symptoms, and you go one living in a way that is wrong. i think most people probably should be depressed with what we have that passes or life around here.

I’d be surprised if you could find a spiritual experience in an organized religion, but what the hell, go for it.[/quote]

[nocommonsense]

I, as you, have zero interest in organized religion. As us, the God of the Bible WANTS to have real and personal relationships with each of us through Christ.

[quote=scaredycat]the problem with the depression diagnosis froma doctor is, maybe the reaosn you’re depressed is that your life is not being lived right. in toher words, the doctor might say hell you sound depressed to me, give you some drugs to mask the symptoms, and you go one living in a way that is wrong. i think most people probably should be depressed with what we have that passes or life around here.

I’d be surprised if you could find a spiritual experience in an organized religion, but what the hell, go for it.[/quote]

[nocommonsense]

I, as you, have zero interest in organized religion. As us, the God of the Bible WANTS to have real and personal relationships with each of us through Christ.

[quote=scaredycat]the problem with the depression diagnosis froma doctor is, maybe the reaosn you’re depressed is that your life is not being lived right. in toher words, the doctor might say hell you sound depressed to me, give you some drugs to mask the symptoms, and you go one living in a way that is wrong. i think most people probably should be depressed with what we have that passes or life around here.

I’d be surprised if you could find a spiritual experience in an organized religion, but what the hell, go for it.[/quote]

[nocommonsense]

I, as you, have zero interest in organized religion. As us, the God of the Bible WANTS to have real and personal relationships with each of us through Christ.

[quote=scaredycat]the problem with the depression diagnosis froma doctor is, maybe the reaosn you’re depressed is that your life is not being lived right. in toher words, the doctor might say hell you sound depressed to me, give you some drugs to mask the symptoms, and you go one living in a way that is wrong. i think most people probably should be depressed with what we have that passes or life around here.

I’d be surprised if you could find a spiritual experience in an organized religion, but what the hell, go for it.[/quote]

[NeetaT]

I found that regardless of my surrounding circumstances, I either feel good or I do not feel good. It’s funny, because sometimes on the gloomiest days I feel good and on the brightest days I feel bad. I find that exercise to the point of exhaustion helps the most. I say, “keep moving.” I am in my late 40’s and make it a point to outperform men half my age. I do have back and joint problems, but I manage. After 25 yrs of SOF service, I have become a stalwart individual. I am constantly on the qui vive for diets that enhance mood. I found that consuming healthy ingredients mixed in a blender promotes a good mood. Mix spinach, soymilk, and cocoa powder in a blender for a good mood. I don’t mean to over simplify what you are trying to convey. Believe me, I sometimes look back on life and wonder what if? I can commiserate with you and hope that your life progresses down a prolific path. For me, at this point, health, money, and good weather are the ingredients for my satisfaction.

[NeetaT]

I found that regardless of my surrounding circumstances, I either feel good or I do not feel good. It’s funny, because sometimes on the gloomiest days I feel good and on the brightest days I feel bad. I find that exercise to the point of exhaustion helps the most. I say, “keep moving.” I am in my late 40’s and make it a point to outperform men half my age. I do have back and joint problems, but I manage. After 25 yrs of SOF service, I have become a stalwart individual. I am constantly on the qui vive for diets that enhance mood. I found that consuming healthy ingredients mixed in a blender promotes a good mood. Mix spinach, soymilk, and cocoa powder in a blender for a good mood. I don’t mean to over simplify what you are trying to convey. Believe me, I sometimes look back on life and wonder what if? I can commiserate with you and hope that your life progresses down a prolific path. For me, at this point, health, money, and good weather are the ingredients for my satisfaction.

[NeetaT]

I found that regardless of my surrounding circumstances, I either feel good or I do not feel good. It’s funny, because sometimes on the gloomiest days I feel good and on the brightest days I feel bad. I find that exercise to the point of exhaustion helps the most. I say, “keep moving.” I am in my late 40’s and make it a point to outperform men half my age. I do have back and joint problems, but I manage. After 25 yrs of SOF service, I have become a stalwart individual. I am constantly on the qui vive for diets that enhance mood. I found that consuming healthy ingredients mixed in a blender promotes a good mood. Mix spinach, soymilk, and cocoa powder in a blender for a good mood. I don’t mean to over simplify what you are trying to convey. Believe me, I sometimes look back on life and wonder what if? I can commiserate with you and hope that your life progresses down a prolific path. For me, at this point, health, money, and good weather are the ingredients for my satisfaction.

[NeetaT]

I found that regardless of my surrounding circumstances, I either feel good or I do not feel good. It’s funny, because sometimes on the gloomiest days I feel good and on the brightest days I feel bad. I find that exercise to the point of exhaustion helps the most. I say, “keep moving.” I am in my late 40’s and make it a point to outperform men half my age. I do have back and joint problems, but I manage. After 25 yrs of SOF service, I have become a stalwart individual. I am constantly on the qui vive for diets that enhance mood. I found that consuming healthy ingredients mixed in a blender promotes a good mood. Mix spinach, soymilk, and cocoa powder in a blender for a good mood. I don’t mean to over simplify what you are trying to convey. Believe me, I sometimes look back on life and wonder what if? I can commiserate with you and hope that your life progresses down a prolific path. For me, at this point, health, money, and good weather are the ingredients for my satisfaction.

[NeetaT]

I found that regardless of my surrounding circumstances, I either feel good or I do not feel good. It’s funny, because sometimes on the gloomiest days I feel good and on the brightest days I feel bad. I find that exercise to the point of exhaustion helps the most. I say, “keep moving.” I am in my late 40’s and make it a point to outperform men half my age. I do have back and joint problems, but I manage. After 25 yrs of SOF service, I have become a stalwart individual. I am constantly on the qui vive for diets that enhance mood. I found that consuming healthy ingredients mixed in a blender promotes a good mood. Mix spinach, soymilk, and cocoa powder in a blender for a good mood. I don’t mean to over simplify what you are trying to convey. Believe me, I sometimes look back on life and wonder what if? I can commiserate with you and hope that your life progresses down a prolific path. For me, at this point, health, money, and good weather are the ingredients for my satisfaction.

[FormerOwner]

Wow, I must say these are some great responses. I think there’s an element of truth in each of them. I agree with NeetaT about physical exercise being important – plus being outside in nature on a regular basis. I have struggled with depression on and off (more off than on) for much of my life but I think a lot of positive changes and creativity have come from it so I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve become a much better person I think because of making changes as a result of being unhappy with the status quo. I’ve known people that appear perpetually happy and bubbly all the time but their lives are a mess and when you get to know them they are actually falling apart inside. In the end, we’re all just doing the best we can and the universe will unfold as it should.

[FormerOwner]

Wow, I must say these are some great responses. I think there’s an element of truth in each of them. I agree with NeetaT about physical exercise being important – plus being outside in nature on a regular basis. I have struggled with depression on and off (more off than on) for much of my life but I think a lot of positive changes and creativity have come from it so I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve become a much better person I think because of making changes as a result of being unhappy with the status quo. I’ve known people that appear perpetually happy and bubbly all the time but their lives are a mess and when you get to know them they are actually falling apart inside. In the end, we’re all just doing the best we can and the universe will unfold as it should.

[FormerOwner]

Wow, I must say these are some great responses. I think there’s an element of truth in each of them. I agree with NeetaT about physical exercise being important – plus being outside in nature on a regular basis. I have struggled with depression on and off (more off than on) for much of my life but I think a lot of positive changes and creativity have come from it so I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve become a much better person I think because of making changes as a result of being unhappy with the status quo. I’ve known people that appear perpetually happy and bubbly all the time but their lives are a mess and when you get to know them they are actually falling apart inside. In the end, we’re all just doing the best we can and the universe will unfold as it should.

[FormerOwner]

Wow, I must say these are some great responses. I think there’s an element of truth in each of them. I agree with NeetaT about physical exercise being important – plus being outside in nature on a regular basis. I have struggled with depression on and off (more off than on) for much of my life but I think a lot of positive changes and creativity have come from it so I really wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve become a much better person I think because of making changes as a result of being unhappy with the status quo. I’ve known people that appear perpetually happy and bubbly all the time but their lives are a mess and when you get to know them they are actually falling apart inside. In the end, we’re all just doing the best we can and the universe will unfold as it should.

[Author]

Posts