stream of conciousness

This is an idea that I struggled with for a while, I hope you’ll hear me out. There is a realm of thought (found it: Depressive Realism) that states that depressed people are more realistic thinkers; they set more realistic goals, they have more realistic expectations, they see the world and themselves more realistically.

This is likely true to an extent. Optimism is often delusional by nature. But delusion is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it can be incredibly useful, as I’ll elaborate below. And it’s sure as shit better than lying: and while optimism maybe be delusional, depression can be a flat out lying motherfucker.

It’s important to realize the impact of optimism vs. pessimism. A pessimistic person is less likely to set high expectations, or high standards. As a result, they are less likely to be disappointed. A pessimistic person is less likely to be step outside of their comfort zone. As a result, they are less likely to face failure.

Yet on the contrary, an optimistic person is more likely to attempt something that would be beyond their perceived abilities. As a result, they are more likely to succeed. An optimistic person is more likely to search beyond the bleakness of a current perceived state, and as a result is more likely to find happiness.

If delusion can fuel your well being, then what’s wrong with giving into delusion? Many people call it confidence. Confidence is often just healthy, controlled delusional thinking. Confidence is choosing to press on despite failure and disappointment. Confidence is therefore strength; it takes a lot more effort to fight depression than to give into depression. But it’s far more rewarding, and I think most would agree it’s necessary.

Take a moment to separate pessimism from realism as well. Realism is the seeing of reality, in all its darkness as well as its light. Pessimism is the seeing of darkness and the giving into darkness. You can be a realist without being a pessimist.

So you have to ask yourself: do you want to be a pessimist, and simply wallow in the bleakness of depression for the sake of seeing the darkness in reality, or do you want to fight it with confidence and control? You can achieve a lot more than you think, including conquering depression.

Good journeys, mate.