The Sound of Depression

My favorite movie growing up was between One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Sound of Music. In the former, the insanity and dysfunction of it all felt familiar. In the latter, the romance and music drew me in.

One song whose words kind of haunted me later on in life is "My Favorite Things." Remember it?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

Something about listing out her favorite things made Maria happy. Although that is beautiful in theory, when it comes to deep sadness and depression, it takes more than simply saying your favorite things out loud.

Depression is a heavy sound, far more guttural than music.

Sometimes it shrieks at heights only dogs can hear and other times it bellows and rolls beneath the darkest tones. Depression is such a heavy sound, and I cannot think of many words out loud that make it better instantly.

Instead of simply speaking your favorite things into the abyss, it helps to speak to a trusted someone: a pastor, a friend, a family member, a therapist, anyone who can listen without judgment and respond without blame.

Now these people may ask you what you find pleasure in doing, and maybe right now, the answer is nothing, but rest assured that you can always find some favorite things. You can always hold onto a favorite hobby, a favorite friend, a favorite loved one, a favorite sight or smell, a favorite place to go or food to eat; there are millions of potential favorite things.

When I am feeling depressed, it is so easy to think of sleep as my only favorite thing, but that would be a lie I tell myself. My favorite things include singing, cooking, and doing most anything that is creative in nature. I like writing, talking to loved ones, warm hugs, and deep one on one conversation.

These are a few of my favorite things...

I challenge you to think of what your favorite things are, and don't just say them aloud, but share them with someone you trust. That way, if the sound of depression comes banging at your door, someone can remind you of the light amidst the darkness, the music between the noise.

Julie Andrews definitely sang it proud:

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad...

Remember your favorite things, but don't stop there. Reach out and connect them back to someone that cares for you.

Then that sound of depression will be more and more muffled, buried underneath a greater sound.

I believe in you, okay? Go and create a symphony of favorite things; you can do it, even if your first sound is sad.

Manic and Moody