SEPTEMBER 13
O! that this too too solid flesh would melt,
Thaw and resolve itself into a dew;
Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d
His canon ’gainst self-slaughter! O God! O God!
How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world.
—WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREThis is a state of depression with which we all are probably
familiar. We would like to be removed from all awareness.
We may think about suicide. Nothing feels good. Nothing
tastes good. Nothing appeals to us. Nothing at all.
When this mood descends like a dark cloud, it is helpful
to remember that we have felt like this before, that others
have felt like this before—and that the mood will pass.
We can help move it away—though it may be hard to
muster energy for that—by doing something physically de-
manding, like going for a strenuous walk, or for a swim. Or
by tending some plants. Or talking with a friend. Or cooking.
Anything to get us into a different frame of mind.
One friend suggested that at such times it was helpful to
her to repeat the phrase “The worst is over.” It might be
worth a try.
This cloud of darkness is understandable, given what I have been
through. But it will pass.