Being emotional by nature is a very
stressful trait. Not only is sensitivity an integral part of this state , so is
depression. In a world filled with a standard “no problem” answer to every huge
bottled up issue, depression is a normal condition.
What is significant is, we may confuse the
symptoms of spiritual growth and depression at times, specially when we pretend
to be happy when we are actually depressed, often clinically depressed.
It is a fact that when you work on
spiritual Growth, there comes a time when you leave behind many earlier
“normals” in your life, reaching a point of isolation. You also stop fitting
into earlier moulds. But you don’t really think that you are “sacrificing”
normalcy. Because you don’t miss the earlier routine which included a certain
amount of social interaction. In fact, you might be happier this way.
A depressed state also tends to give a
feeling of isolation and a withdrawal from social activities and interaction,
and a general lack of interest and excitement... a general ennui.
The only parameters of telling the
difference are within. If you are happy and busy with your personal growth by
being by yourself and WITH yourself happily, then you are on the path of
spiritual growth, because you naturally move into a state of gradual silence,
not liking too much mundane conversation and preferring to use time more
constructively.
But when you are depressed, either you are
numb or wrapped up in your own feelings and hence, uncommunicative. And you
need help because you will probably not admit to being depressed and might be
showing a false bravado which could be harmful for you.
You never know when depression might be
triggered if you are not careful to keep your emotions in check and give
yourself more care and attention before others.
Surekha Kothari
www.BodyMindSoulCentre.com
surekhakothari.wordpress.com
Speakingtree Blog: www.speakingtree.in/public/surekhakothari
