One Thing Every Depressed Person Has In Common

Let's start with the basics. In life, there's good and bad. Without the bad, we couldn't truly appreciate the good (or something like that). You've heard this before; this isn't new to you.

The takeaway here is that pain and suffering is an inescapable facet of life. It's there, and you are going to feel it, no matter who you are.

But then...

Why do some appear only to suffer, while others live the lives they desire?

Why do some fall into depressive states, while others seem to accomplish the goals they set out for themselves?

Why do some the individuals who suffer meaninglessly spiral into further depths of depression while others build upon prior successes and develop lives they are proud of?

Here's the harsh truth, and something every depressed person has in common:

Depressed individuals do not believe they are in control of their lives.

That's why the first in-depth article I wrote was about believing you could change, and the second took it further, explicitly being about taking responsibility for your life.

Because this is the secret sauce. Because if you don't believe you're control of your life, there's is literally nothing you can do to make it better. I mean, it's not in your control, right?

Every depressed person feels powerless, like there's nothing they can do to improve their situation.

And then there are the transitioners -- those who used to believe their lives were outside their control, but have recently taken charge. They'll still need time to overcome their depression, but they'll get there. They'll get there because every time a barrier comes up -- no matter how much pain or how many tears or whatever frustrating emotions come up -- they'll look to themselves to handle it. And because it's in their power, they'll find a way.

If you're depressed, it's time to join the transitioners.

A future article may go more in-depth on how to actually take control of your life.