The power of a research paper...

I learned something new yesterday- what we write about, regardless of the reason that we are doing it- can greatly impact our emotions. I had a research paper due for my abnormal psych class last night and I decided that I would do it on depression. The more I wrote, the more down I got. 

I know the symptoms of depression and I know how controlling it can be as a mental illness. I spent part of my teens and early 20’s battling it and never want to go back that, but within a mere few hours yesterday just doing this one paper and I was that person all over again. I was moody- frustrated, upset one minute, in tears the next. I felt alone and like I had no one in the world here for me. It is amazing how much influence something so small can influence our minds. 

I do know that it is important to not let the feelings and thoughts associated with depression take hold, so after waking up this morning and just wishing I could hide in bed all day- I got up and got in gear. I forced my way to being happy and cheerful by giving myself things to look forward to and getting out of the house for a couple of hours. I decided to avoid class work for today and by afternoon I was back to my normal self. 

I do know this- no more research papers on depression!