Outgrowing Depression

ACTION TO TAKE

Realize that many people outgrow depression.

WHY

Last November Woody Allen turned seventy and lamented "Getting joy
and having a kind of wisdom in your golden years--it's all tripe."
Years on an analyst's couch never helped him grow up or even resist marrying
his stepdaughter. Woody's remarks don't fit with recent research findings.

Dr. Laura Carstensen at Stanford University had 184 people ages 18 to 94
carry pagers and fill out questionnaires when beeped. Older participants reported
about the same number of positive emotions as younger participants but far fewer
negative emotions. There was a clear trend from young adults to seniors.
Aging brought fewer negative thoughts. You could say people tend to outgrown depression.

The reasons for the change are speculative. Perhaps they have adjusted
expectations and are not so hard on themselves. Perhaps they appreciate
and savor life more. I like to think of it as more maturity. In any case, it's a nice perk that goes with aging.

QUOTES

Concern should drive us into action and not into depression.
~Anonymous

The simple solution for disappointment depression: Get up and get moving.
Physically move. Do. Act. Get going.
~Peter McWilliams 

HUMOR

A psychology professor quizzed his class: "How would you diagnose a someone
who walks back and forth screaming at the top of his lungs one minute, then sits
in a chair weeping uncontrollably the next?"
A young man in the rear raised his hand and answered, "A basketball coach?"

This article was from:

THE DEFY AGING NEWSLETTER
Anti-Aging Psychology
Holistic Health and Wellness

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"Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and Oprah-featured author. His works include:  Defy Aging, 52 Baby Steps to grow young, and Reverse Aging (anti-aging hypnosis CDs). Visit www.NotAging.com for a free report on anti-aging secrets and a free newsletter with practical anti-aging tips."