Grahame Greene wasn’t the only one to experience depression. As Bertrand Russell says in his 1930 book, The Conquest of Happiness,
In adolescence, I hated life and was continually on the verge of suicide, from which, however, I was restrained by the desire to know more mathematics. Now, on the contrary, I enjoy life; I might almost say that with every year that passes I enjoy it more. This is due partly to having discovered what were the things that I most desired, and having gradually acquired many of these things. Partly it is due to having successfully dismissed certain objects of desire – such as the acquisition of indubitable knowledge about something or other — as essentially unattainable. But very largely it is due to a diminishing preoccupation with myself. Like others who had a Puritan education, I had the habit of meditating on my sins, follies, and shortcomings. I seemed to myself — no doubt justly — a miserable specimen. Gradually I learned to be indifferent to myself and my deficiencies; I came to centre my attention increasingly upon external objects: the state of the world, various branches of knowledge, individuals for whom I felt affection.
In fact, he did more than that. He examined the beliefs that were causing him misery and he changed them. It was similar to modern-day cognitive restructuring or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). But, of course, Epictetus told us years ago that it’s the way we think about things that makes the difference between happiness and misery.
Yes, it’s not always that simple — some people need more than that. For instance, some people can free themselves from depression by analyzing and changing their thoughts, but others, especially people with bipolar disorders like Greene, need medications.
Still, for most of us the depression-fighting Abraham Lincoln was right, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” It often takes commitment and work, but we have a wealth of help available now. I think that’s a blessing.
What do you think?
February 16, 2015
I think that I am blessed for not being subject to depression or being bipolar.
Amen to that.
Russel also discovered sexuality. An affair changed his life – making him far less cerebral.
Our thoughts don’t only shape our feelings (and this confuses conscious thought with all cerebral experience); our feelings shape our thoughts.
Some of my friends I’m quite sure are alive because of psychoactive drugs. The headlines about walking (or whatever) being as good as anti-depressants only applies to mild depression.
Having said which there is an enormous amount most of us can do to enjoy our lives more. (Though it is important to remember values and other aspects of life – much of self development or psychotherapy doesn’t have much of use to say to those in chronic pain.)
Yep, one size doesn’t fit all. At least Russell was just sharing his own experiences, telling what worked for him and hoping it might help someone else.
Your comment about Russell becoming less cerebral reminds me of H. L. Mencken, who was very cynical about love until he fell head over heels himself. Just because a person is adamant at one stage of his life doesn’t mean he won’t do a 180° turn somewhere down the pike.
I’m not sure I agree with you about people experiencing chronic pain. I think books like Full-Catstrophe Living can be a big help.
Speaking of chronic pain, one of favorite blogs is Fightin’ the Fibro. Blogs like that are an inspiration.