[vash]

i was getting some symptoms. losing sleep, stuff like that.

i talked to my doc. she ran some test..normal.

she sent me to some therapist. he scheduled me for some group talk. god, i cant remember the session titles. they talk about things like "automatic negative thoughts"

example of this: you misplace your wallet. instead of retracing your steps mentally as a first step, you immediatly think something like. "crap why do bad things always happen to me!" or "life hates me".. (apparently, this is the classic BIG first sign of a depressed person)

hahhaa.. not saying i havent beaten myself up with crazy thoughts, but i didnt fit the bill. the class was 8 sessions and i promised my wife i would go and listen..and participate. best thing ever. i learned two things:

1. there are poor folks with real problems, and real depression.
2. compared to them, i was a happy mofo.

in the end, giving up my time was a good thing. if i ever do hit depression, i sure as hell will know what it looks like.

i changed my life after that. i just calmed my ass down, ate better, and exercised like a man possessed. i sleep like a baby..and i am not so bored any more.

see if your hospital offers a group session.

on a side note, ,that tharapist was damn quick to offer up some magic pill. when i said "NO!" that was when he suggested the group session.