Yeah I agree with pegasus, it's good to let it out! I hope you feel a little better for having it 'out there'?

Anyhow, I think your mum is right and there is an alternative to living in a constant depression, or dark tunnel as you call it. You're right though when you get into such a pattern of negative thinking it's very hard to break it, especially if you've been doing it for so long ... but just because something is difficult doesn't mean it's impossible.

Some peoples 'problems' don't REALLY matter, but often little problems build up and up and it's the culmination of everything that really weighs on you. So although it can sort of feel... unimportant... when somebody rants about say, their dishwasher breaking or something... it's probably important for them to be able to say "god damit!" because it lets the stress OUT rather than keeping it in. I know what you mean though that often people complain about things that are so small and it would be great it people saw the 'bigger picture' but I do think it takes time (a lot of years) to truly appreciate and realise what 'life is about'. If I'm making sense.

Are you in therapy or taking any medication? I've been in that dark tunnel, and for me at least, there was an end to it. Not to say I won't be back in that tunnel again, but for now I clawed my way out and I don't see why you can't do that too. Keep the faith. It's an illness and there is treatment.

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