ok all you shrinks out there?

[saxman]

i took a test at the VA. the other day . it proved to them [The VA] that i was mostly optomistic . so why dont i see that there will be a future? i only see the world ending sooner than i would like it to end. do you think that it might be the VAs attempt at telling me , brainwashing me again? its very hard for me now to think . i was even thinking of re upping today at my age 56 LOL 101st inf . i could still maybe do 2 pushups for the physical. dont know how many i need to pass the test .

[DaveM]

Perhaps you are more optimistic than you think, Mike, and just haven't noticed. For some reason, it is always so much easier to see the darkness within ourselves than the light.

Like you, I have for some time been expecting the End of Civilization As We Know It. Yet I've never stopped making future plans. So either I don't really believe what I think I believe, or I have a serious case of denial. Which, I may never know.

But of course....live every day as if it is your last and sooner or later, you'll be right.

[hoops]

Mike, maybe it's like this... you are working you tail off trying to make it day by day, instead of just giving up...do you realize how much positive energy that takes? every moment of your life that you try to make it thru without just stopping and saying that's it i quit is like dynamite exploding within you, it;s like trying to make the sun rise all the time, iut's like getting up when you've been shot down. mike , you and apeople who are in a similar situation as you are and habdle things without giving up are probably some of the most positive and strongest people in the world,
peace
hoops

[janisian]

Mike, I can categorically say that you see a future, since I know you're already planning for the Holiday Sale...

[Eva]

Funny, Janis... :D

Mike, I have chronic depressions for at least 20 years now. And all this time I always thought: One day everything will be allright. What I am trying to say is that however bad we feel about life and the things that happen to us. We can still have an optimistic personality. Well, that is my view on things...

Eva

[saxman]

the best advice to me is the constant questions i ask and actually get help from here on this site . Thanks for all your understanding and answers . i dont mean to give an idea of who helps me the most on a givin post , but Hoops i understood , and hit home the most . and Janis if the world is here and the sale is on ? im there . looking forward to me helping..... .Davem and eva you make my day by telling me the truth , Thanks everyone . med are kiching in and have a big day at the VA tomorrow 3 shrinks that take lots of notes , to bad they cant play any! imagin a band with your shrinks?... Thanks people for being there for me . im ok today because of your help . FOR REAL !

[DaveM]

I cannot say for certain, but I believe it is a requirement for psychiatrists that they be unable to carry a tune in the proverbial bucket.

Still recall the time I spotted a beautiful vintage Kay archtop guitar laying on a shelf in a psychiatrist's office. It had a peculiar yellow finish that appeared to be original--really looked like something that someone who was fond of vintage instruments would have. I didn't have an appointment with the good doctor (well, as the area learned later she wasn't that good, but that's another story), but she wasn't busy, so I stuck my head in and mentioned the guitar, asking if she played.

"Oh no," she said, "I just like yellow things." Whereupon she proceeded to show of more of the collection that filled one wall of her office--she had Hand-decorated Roseville Pottery pieces sitting next to vases that had come with bouquets from FTD. But they were all yellow....

I've often wondered if that was some sort of disorder at work. Sure did like that guitar, though.

[Eva]

Glad to hear you feel good today, Saxman.

Eva

[david uk]

Mike I have serious depression and anxiety attacks, but that doesn't stop me from feeling optimistic and hopeful at times.

Life is complex as you know.

Just be aware how much pleasure you give everyone here on the board

and in our chats you've often succeeded in raising my spirits :)