Why? Because thats what happens thats why. It was not specified that only serious answers were wanted anyhow.

No i havent had someone die of a heroin overdose on me. I dont hang around junkies.

I think people need to lighten up a little before they post things.

OK, I can do this one. Someone spot me.

If you are depressed BECAUSE of your current situation, that's far better than being biochemically depressed. That state requires lifelong medication and is a pain. Your situation is not permanent and you can rationalize that it will end in your mind. You just have to find ways to survive the bump.

Walk or exercise vigorously. It clears your mind and releases endorphins which counteract depression. Plus, you'll look really hot and rpobably have lots of sex, which also releases endorphins. (It really does. I tried.)

See your doctor and ask her/him about low-level serotonin uptakes to boost your mood for the short-haul. I'd only do this if you really feel down and it is started to manifest itself physically, ie can't sleep, etc

Sit down with your loved ones and create an action plan to solve your financial woes. Communication and teammwork help to ease the pressure and give you a hopeful spirit. Plus, such things are good lessons for kids on how to confront times of trial head on and not be laissez-fairre.

Reconnect to things make you laugh and relax. If you like movies, rent some. If you like board games, play some. If you like to chat, chat more (in free time). Get out of bed early and avoid a routine of sulking and do things which make you smile!

Lean on your friends for help. If I, a virtual stranger (no pun), am willing to type this gargantuan post, your close friends will be willing to do far more I am certain.

Most of all, hug someone ... That's the quickest pick-me-up of all-time baby!

I have to stop and think about how bad others have it. I consider myself lucky right now. I retired and can live with in the means of that pension. others....not so lucky.

Online shopping and Prozac. Not only does it keep me sane but it's great for the economy as well!!!

I get both forms of depression, and usually I can work through it by contrary action, which simply means taking an action in opposition a given condition. Nights have been rough though, mostly because I started sleeping in bed again, instead of on the easy chair while watching TV. It'll probably pass. Eventually.

Yes, the economy is the worst I have ever seen in my 54 years.

But.....I have seen much worse in life..

I was 15 when I lost my brother in Viet Nam, in 69.

Was in the "Buffalo Creek" flood in 72..
125 killed, lost everything but immediate family.

Lost g/f in 73.

Lost mother in 75.

Lost g/m in 80.

Divorced 1st husband, after 10 years in 82.

2nd husband committed suicide in 1990.

Lost father in 2000.

Lost best friend in 2001.

Divorced last husband in 2002.

In between all of that, there have been times to be thankful for.
And I never gave up.

Trust me, theres always light at the end of the tunnel.
Keep the faith, and know, tommorrow will hold something different.

Bless you....

I've been through worse times than this, with fewer resources.
Life is good, everyday.

Now, THAT'S an awesome attitude...!

Heroin and BJ are Dan's gerbils. Some of us cope with medication and others by finding solace in the unconditional love their pets bestow on them. Amen.

I had to edit.

I've been through worse times than this, with fewer resources.

Same diff...still good attitude...

You are sliiiiick Fairy Girl! Everything you've posted is entertaining. I give you the Golden Phallus for "Newcomer of the Year."

Yeah. Someone very close to me attempted suicide last week. It was the worst. But it will certainly leave me with a lifetime of food for thought. We both have been depressed for a long time, and it's no surprise since we both work at the same job that we hate, we're both having a rough semester at the same school, etc. We were inseperable. Last week, things seemed to become unbearable, and she decided to try downing a bottle of medication. I had no idea. I had decided to go out with some friends and wash the week away with beer and liquor. We used two completely different methods of dealing with the stress.

And I realized when I saw her lying there on the hospital bed, face blackened from the charcoal they forced down her throat, against her wishes, that we all have to choose our actions so that they benefit us in the long run. Life should be valued, no matter how bad it gets.

She survived, and is now looking into therapy. And I couldn't be happier.

Always be pink or yellow...NEVER BLUE...

Why thank you...I'm humbled.

I would like to thank the Academy, my manager, my parents who loved me despite the fact that I wasn't able to spell my name until I was 14, my dogs, Jesus, and most of all Johnny Depp for providing me with the most wonderful dreams on a nightly basis.

Now does this Golden Phallus thing vibrate? Cuz I'm starting to get depressed here....

She learnt from the best

(i.e ME!)

Oh damn...sorry Dan...I forgot to mention you in my acceptance speech. Can you forgive me?

You know what else cheers me up? Chocolate!!!

Well certainly those two above me can keep me giggling and stirring up some endorphins! LOL

Taking the many reality checks posted in this thread helps too. It can all help me right now too.

You keep that in mind..
Yep, its a real "eye" opener...

always remember one thing even though you don't care about other peoples problems but your own you can't feel to bad about yourself cause there is always someone in worse shape...like dead people.