There was an article on this website I stumbled upon last week that had to do with the topic above (title). It struck me and I began to think about it ever since.

Sometimes when I'm reserved to myself, I always dwell upon the life that I hated, the life that my parent's wanted to be, how my friends would look down upon me as that lucky fool, how society judges me as awkward, not normal, tired of life. I really hate that, and I feel totally useless on this Earth. There are billions of people on this world and I wouldn't affect the world instantly... yet I don't want to end my life just yet.

Beyond my life experiences, I feel like I should one day go out and help those who are suffering, too. You know, I have this goal of adopting a child from Africa, maybe two! I want to go forth and bring some sort of "happiness" to other people's lives, including me! Not only do I want to help other people find their inner-self, but I want to find an equal balance in my spiritual and physical self. This is my second sight for life~ What do you think?

[maruf]

Its great that you've active thoughts to help others. Depression takes ourselves away from normal life. Then perhaps we confront some other things which are not available in our minds when we are not depressed. I think depression brings up some creative thoughts, though in a negative way, but these are like resources for writers and artists.

I believe it can. That doesn't mean that it always does so. I'd go further but this has been discussed a few times by some that have been here a while. Hope you can get some good conversation going with the topic for some of the newer members.

[bushwackback]

I think that the good things you want to do are great to overcome (or in spite of) your depression...

IF

and ONLY IF

you have the courage to admit that those good and hopeful things you want to say to all those other people who need help apply to yourself as well.

You can't go to some poor kids in Africa who have lost their parents to AIDS or guerrilla warfare and famine, and who don't know where their next meal is coming from, and say, "Hey guys there is a better life ahead of you. Come to America where you won't have to deal with all these problems, even though life over there doesn't have any meaning."

NO, you wouldn't want to say that to them, right? You want to play "Help the Children" for them, not some Nirvana song.

I think Depression can give an insight but it is like something that helps you to say, "The heck with this." It is not something that you can learn to appreciate or cohabit with, because it will just want to keep taking more and more from you. It gives insight in that you have a special knowledge or sensitivity to things that many others miss, and you can transform that into a positive action or helping others. That's the only way it will be insightful.

I think dealing with depression and certain other mental/emotional illnesses gives you a chance to grow spiritually and have more sensitivity, empathy, and understanding... if you seek that and allow it to happen. Depression isn't anything anyone wants but it does lead to insights that can make one a better person.

To be honest I'd be much happier without having to deal with depression haha but it has definitely helped me face myself. Used to be I never self-analyzed my actions or thoughts and I was always focused on a friend or some game online and always very busy. But depression really helped me see not only the ugly parts of myself but also the good parts as well. And while I don't think I had any amazing epiphanies when in comes to other people I sure learned a lot about myself and hey that's a pretty good start.

My favorite lesson was how my interactions with people are so powerful. Especially when I had no hope inside of me, my parents, my friends, my co-workers and schoolmates all breathed their own hope into me whenever I really talked to them. And until I could make my own hope that was what I lived on. And now that I'm starting to make it by myself, I want to breathe hope into others. It's not as big as adopting children from Africa or something like that but I'd like to think of it as a grand beginning.

[Fuzzybear]

[Clara22]

It is a great idea, and, in addition, going overseas gives us a lot of perspective. I did it and it helped a lot, do it if you can, Good luck!