What is depression? Doing what you love can help.

Not having enough money for bills is very stressing and can cause depression fast.

What is depression? Doing what you love can help.

A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

I’m no psychologist, although I wanted to be one years ago. I’ve always been the one listening and helping others. I’m good at it.

I think things through and have backup plans for my plan. Most people, I find, don’t think this way. I don’t believe in “I CAN’T.” I’m very driven and usually get what I want by finding ways to make it happen. If I don’t help ME, no one else will.

BUT….sometimes….it doesn’t work that way. Obstacles get in your way. Obstacles you can’t change.

Depressing obstacles like yearly taxes on your home, Utility bills going up when your income does not, and more, contribute to stress. Then, surprises like your car’s brakes going out, greeting you with a $600 bill.

money stress depression
Not having enough money for bills is very stressing and can cause depression fast.

These things, and many more, will cause stress and depression, FAST.

You may think you’re the only one but you’re not.

It’s upsetting at times to see people coming back from vacation. Thoughts of vacation are so out of reach for me when living check to check. We haven’t been on a vacation in 15 years.

To be honest, I don’t care much anymore. Most people spend vacations running to see the sights. They need a vacation from their vacation. I’m happy to stay home. I only think about it for my young kids.

I digress. Money is the largest cause of stress and depression.

I know people with a lot of money. They go on vacations a lot with their family. They have big houses. One has their own vineyard in Europe. Visiting one of their local homes was amazing.

They showed us the theater room, complete with leather recliners, the workout room, the beautifully – landscaped backyard and the enormous kitchen. A crew of chefs was hired to prepare the meal, in their kitchen, for the party.

I left that party depressed. I wasn’t depressed because I didn’t have those nice things. I was depressed because I was struggling to make it month to month and they clearly were not.

I got more depressed to find utility bills I am not going to be able to afford.

It’s a daily effort to not think about it. You may second guess yourself and what you’re doing wrong. Why are some people getting table scraps while others are well off?

Don’t get caught up in “everyone’s life is better than mine.”

The grass IS always greener

A favorite story of mine is the married couple and the single guy in the mall.

I was in the mall one day and noticed a married couple with a baby in a stroller. Walking passed them was a male in his mid 20’s alone.

I wondered what they each thought about, during passing.

Did the married man think, “Ah, to be single again like that guy, and not nagged. How awesome would that be?”

Did the single guy think, “look at that guy, probably has a great job and family. He’s got someone to go home to each night.”

Interesting isn’t it?

So I ask myself, what is depression? Do I have it? Isn’t depression a disease you’re born with? Maybe if I had money I would be happy.

They say money won’t make you happy and I agree with that to a point.

I would be happy if my bills were paid. One less stress. If my dog got sick or had a problem I could pay the vet without worrying about money.

All I need is survival money with a little extra for surprises or savings. In this day and age that isn’t happening for many.

We live within our means. We don’t go out much. Stuff is too expensive and we’re on one income.

My wife reminds me of the nice family we have. She’s right, but I still worry.

I get upset about not having money to take my kids somewhere like a museum or even the zoo. I’m too busy worrying about where money for groceries is coming from.

If you’re worried about money you’re not alone

It’s time to find something in life you love to do and do it. If you can make money doing it, all the better! No matter how silly or stupid you think it is, if you enjoy, do it.

If you want to start writing for others to read, like this, then do it. If you want to collect puzzles, do it. If you want to play piano, DO IT!

People overthink this too much. They question whether or not they should do things that make them happy. It isn’t the thing others would approve of. My dad said a long time ago, “if you want to be a garbage man, be the best garbage man you can be.”

One of my very close friends said the other week that she admires me because I’m not afraid to take chances. That was a huge compliment. She said I’m never afraid to do what I want to do.

There’s nothing to be afraid of, I just do it until I don’t enjoy it anymore.

Depression comes from many things

In a relationship, It’s unfortunate if you’re with someone who doesn’t feel the same way about you as you do them. Money will not fix that. If money does fix that, you’re with an idiot and you’re an idiot for being with them. That’s a trap and hard to get out of, and if you’re married, it’s more difficult, but it can be done.

I thought for years that I needed “a real career.” I thought I needed to go to college for something big, you know, with a title. That was stupid.

Money is money and it doesn’t matter how you make money, as long as you enjoy what you do.

Don’t seek the approval of others. Don’t worry about what other people think.

There is no such thing as job security. I have lost 3 jobs due to hostile take overs from other companies. Employed on day, not the next.

Don’t be afraid to make money doing what you love to do, even if it’s on the side to supplement your income. I will be writing about extra ways I make money in future blogs.

I’m seeing more and more people make money doing what they love as they get older.

Did you know, there are little kids making 6 FIGURES on You Tube by having their parents film them playing with toys?! My sons watch those channels! 6 FIGURES! That’s more than what most attorneys make! If it pays the bills, who cares.

I never cared to climb the corporate ladder. At the end of it all, it’s long hours and BS backstabbing and then you die. No man has ever said, while on their death bed, “I wish I would have spent more time at the office.”

What helps get me through is doing what makes me happy.

Someone once said I need to get out more. I don’t have the money for that. The person who said this had no hobbies by the way. I felt bad for her, spending money to have to go out and have a good time. I also don’t have the time for that because I’m too busy doing what I love and what I want to do.

To be honest, people in public places annoy me with their inconsiderate ways. I enjoy spending time in my studio, creating and editing film productions and working on video projects.

We do little things as a family and are ok with that. I’ve been into film since I was a kid. 35 years later and I’m still going strong. Do what you love and the rest will fall into place.

Don’t be embarrassed by depression and don’t delay in talking with someone about it.

Your regular doctor can prescribe general antidepressants that don’t require a visit to a psychologist. As with any drug, it is important to speak with your doctor to find the right medication for you.

Don’t be afraid to talk with a psychologist, psychiatrist, your doctor or counselor. Remember, again, they are just human and they’re not perfect either. If you feel odd or uncomfortable with the person you are speaking to, follow your gut and find someone else.

Counselors are professionals who can listen and help. Stress is really bad mentally and physically. Talking to people who will listen can definitely help.

By the way, that couple with the really nice house with that huge party……

They got divorced a year later.

Thanks for reading!

Steve

DEPRESSION:

Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression.