What keeps you from heading down the dark black hole of depression? I’m assuming here that everyone has had some experience with depression, even if it’s only for a short time or perhaps vicariously. I’m not asking for myself, although I have had a couple of dances with the black monster. One time the only thing that kept me from going deeper and possibly never returning was my son who at the time was only a year old. “Mom had to keep it together.”

A friend of mine who has had more than his share–according to me–of dalliances with the life sucking monster says that his dog keeps him from getting in too deep. So perhaps having a pet or child who relies on you keeps you sane. I know they say pets are good for you, but I always thought they kept you happier by their silly antics. I don’t think pets or children keep everyone out of depression.

As I ponder all this, I remembered a psychologist, Laura Honos-Webb, who has a unusual outlook on depression and ADHD. I came to know about her through her book on ADHD and how it’s a gift. Well, her point of view is that depression is also a gift. A sign telling you that you need to stop bulldozing your way through life and examine what you really want. It can also be sign that you’ve gotten off course in your life. I know for myself when I get “off course” I get sick. Not depression, but some illness, like headaches, stomachaches, etc. She has a recording on her book that I think is worth listening to.