People all over believe they think they know all there is to know about the vicious phenomenon known as quicksand. Movies and television shows may be the culprit as they constantly display untrue events where the protagonists can be seen virtually being swallowed up by quicksand, as if it were alive, until they finally grab hold of a friends hand or a vine dangling from an overhead branch.
Like quicksand, depression may also be referred to as a vicious phenomenon. If you watch a movie or television show about people dealing with depression don’t think you know it all. Everyone suffering through depression may encounter very different side effects. Depression symptoms vary from person to person as we are all different and have varying degrees of strengths, weaknesses, stress, drama, violence, etc. in our lives.
For both depression and quicksand I have found for myself it is true that instantly panicking and neglecting to think logically will only worsen and prolong the hardships of each. About five years ago I thought my depression hit it’s peak only to gradually deteriorate my life with each passing day, week, month, year…
I promise you that what you are going through is only an illusion. My anxiety and depression had taken over my mind, body and soul and I; therefore, was unable to see clearly. But now I am slowly but surely fighting to get my life back.
Here’s some knowledge for you all about quicksand.
The majority of quicksand around the world is only a mere three feet deep. Just three feet. People who get stuck in quicksand immediately panic thinking they will be steadily dragged underneath until they reach China and in turn causes them to panic more.
People think depression is never ending and may very well go on forever. NO NO NO. Depression is only temporary. It only lasts as long as you let it. It’s a trick’ A mirage. It’s like having the darkest shaded sunglasses super-glued to your head only allowing you to see the darkness in the world.
With quicksand the most important thing to do is to stay calm. Many people know that the more you struggle the more you sink. But what they don’t know is that the human body is actually less dense than the particles that make-up quicksand. Remaining calm will actually cause humans to float and rise up versus being sunk further and further downward.
With that being said, to those currently suffering through depression please please please stay calm. When you think of depression some thoughts that come to mind are heavy weights pulling you down, darkness taking over your world and simply just being down in the dumps.
Basically depression is some heavy stuff, so if we used what we learned about quicksand…
Remain calm
Think logically
And don’t believe what we see on tv
We will see ourselves slowly rising out of the darkness and into to the light as our bodies are less dense than depression. It’s science (kind of) so lets rise together.
Three….. Two……. One……. STAY CALM!
– Derek Ferguson
theferganator's Blog 
Writing is one of the best antidotes to depression I know. Keep at it. You’re doing brilliantly
Thank you Helen I really appreciate it,
I have recently found that writing is the best coping method for me dealing with depression, anger, and anxiety in my life. It is also a great feeling when people give positive replies as well. Something to let me know that I do exist and another person went out of their way to read what I have written. 🙂
Thanks again Helen, very much appreciated.
– Derek
The type of depression you are taking about is known as “Reactive Depression” which can indeed be treated with a change in attitude. However full blown depression that lasts for weeks, months and sometimes years on end is caused by a chemical imbalance that a change in attitude will not help, cure or even manage without medication.
This is my experience as well. Plus, I had surgery in 2010 and my chemistry was dramatically altered for the worse. I could neither eat nor drink and I almost lost my life due to depression. When I look back now, I can’t believe how sick I really was. Here’s to the fighters. Like Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Never give up.
I thoroughly enjoy that quote. I have been going through hell the majority of my life. Mainly the past five years. All I can say is that today I am alive and able to live. I may not be well, happy or satisfied but I am alive. And until hell is over I guess I have no choice but to keep going.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
– Derek
That quote bolstered me in some dark moments. Anyone who has been in the “pit” referred to by the biblical Psalmist truly understands the meaning of that quote.
This is very accurate. Thank you for writing this, I think it’s a very enlightening piece.
And thank you for reading.
It was always a great feeling writing a piece that someone else enjoys and can possibly learn from. Writing is one of the only coping methods for me to deal with my current situation and so far it has been working. So I will continue to write and read up on what’s going on in everyone else’s life. I am slowly finding out that I am not alone in this.
Thanks again,
– Derek
Writing is probably the best way to deal with things, and I’m glad you’re finding it beneficial. I’m so glad I started a blog, it was a great decision among a lot of poor ones. I really used to think I was alone, too, and I cannot stress enough that you aren’t alone either.
Thank you
Derek, I’m diagnosed “Major Depressive” what ever the hell that is. After 7 years sobriety I still battle with depression. It’s a monster, medication and therapy help but the community of sobriety is what keeps me sane today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Art
Hey Art,
Wow, it is great hearing that the community of sobriety has been a great help for you. Medication and therapy in the end has never helped me. I even tried a group therapy to help with my addictions, but found myself more stressed out and depressed after the meetings than before. We are all different in our own ways and therefore require different coping methods. It is great to see how positive you are. I am struggling to maintain my positivity and learn how to not “fake it” and instead “live it”.
Until then I will try my best to stay strong as I hope you will do the same as well.
Thanks again for your feedback as it is always more than welcome,
– Derek
Great post. I relate to a lot in it. The feeling of panic when I realize I am going down. Fighting it and then having it overcome me and giving up. Thinking it is going to last forever even though I have dealt with this for 15 years and I know I will feel better. I just don’t feel as if I am going to feel better.
There is a therapy called DBT therapy that I have relied on quite a bit. There are resources on the web. They are basic tools to use….steps to take to handle situations and moods.
I’ll look forward to new posts.