HIV INFECTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE EMOTIONS: ANGER AND ENERGY-WHAT TO DO ABOUT MILD DEPRESSION

Depression that is unexpressed anger will disappear if the anger is recognized and dealt with. Depression that is basically sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness almost always runs its course within days or weeks, and then goes away. For some people, this happens without their intervention. Others need to be more active in dispelling depression. One way to lessen or end depression is with physical activity: get outside, go for walks, cook a wonderful meal, go boating or driving or fishing or bowling, go shopping and buy yourself a little treat. Try to accomplish something you want done. A sense of accomplishment can come from doing something small, like cleaning out a closet, writing a letter, or polishing your shoes. No matter how small, a sense of accomplishment is a great weapon against depression. Another way to lessen or end depression is with mental activity: read novels or biographies or science or philosophy or poetry; go to the movies or the theater or the opera or an art gallery; talk to your neighbors or friends or family; play a musical instrument or draw a picture or take some photographs or write a poem. The possibilities of undemanding and pleasurable activities are endless. “I’m not one of those people who immerse themselves in the sickness,” said Steven, who is a technician in a scientific laboratory. He takes in stray dogs, operates a ham radio, and reads up on scientific discoveries in all fields. “I keep my regular life going, keep on working.” When Helen gets depressed, she has a list of things she does: “I usually notice depression when I hit the house after work. Then I find things to do, to keep my mind relaxed. I dig in the dirt. I walk, anything physical. Clean the closet, walk through the mall and window shop. I take a bubble bath. Read the Bible, help someone else.” Lisa Pratt’s husband did the same: “For months,” said Lisa, “my husband sat in a chair and stared. Nothing interested him. Then he got into his workshop and started making crafts, carving wooden ducks.” Dean gardens; he says it takes little energy and gives him a great sense of peace and beauty. June finds that her son is less depressed after he goes out for a walk around their neighborhood: “I nag at him. I tell him, ‘You can’t sit there and watch TV. I want you up, dressed for the weather and outside, and I don’t want to see you for 25 minutes.’” These and other activities will not make your life wonderful again, but they do seem to dissolve depression, at least temporarily. Sometimes, during a walk, the balance between hope and hopelessness seems to shift back toward hope, and you feel more yourself again. And when the next bout of depression moves in, you, like Helen, will have your list of activities and distractions and small pleasures handy.
*69\191\2*

Share and Enjoy: