Reading Time: One Minute
This is the third in a series of posts about depression and more importantly, how we can take steps to hopefully keep it under control.
After I was diagnosed with depression, I was convinced I could limit both the frequency of my ‘bad’ days, and also the severity of those days. I researched everything I could about how other sufferers deal with their condition, and listed all the advice I thought could work for me. This resulted in fifteen steps, which I’m covering over fifteen weeks, and this is number three.
Step 3 – The Repercussions of Procrastination
AKA – Act Now
I’ve just downloaded an album called Combat Rock by the Clash, a punk band from way back. The 80s was a musically radical and diverse decade. I hated punk at the time and couldn’t understand why many were raving about it, but now I love it.
It first caught my eye ten years ago. I had albums by the Stranglers, the Damned, and Green Day. I looked at the Clash and secretly knew Combat Rock would be great, but I kept putting it off.
Eventually I bought it. It was fantastic; some albums take several listens to gauge, but I loved it from the first play.
Here’s the moral of the story. I spent many years without that band. I could have been listening to them since I got into punk in the 90s, but I procrastinated. If I’d parted with my cash a long time ago, my Clash enlightenment period could have started earlier.
As hard as it is to reach decisions when we’re depressed – and indeed to act on them – try not to procrastinate.
Act now. The more deliberation, the longer we spend in the dark place called depression. The sooner you realise you may be depressed, the earlier you can see a doctor. When you see a doctor, you’re on your way to coping with your condition, and implementing the steps over the next few weeks.
Next Week
Step 4 – Crossing the Street
AKA – Therapy
You can read about my hike across Scotland, while coming to terms with the fact I had depression, in my latest book – High and Low. Just click on the image for details.