I just realized that I’m depressed. I wish I’d realized it a few days ago, before I let my anger bleed out and hurt other people. Depression leads to delusions rather quickly. In my case, the delusion is that people I care about don’t like me or want to be around me. I think it’s a common delusion, and is probably why depressed people tend to isolate themselves — and alienate others.
Depression is a jealous visitor. He wants you all to himself. I mentioned yesterday that I knew I was inviting him in with self-pity. Today, he made himself some tea and had a seat in the best chair. He didn’t offer me any, but enjoyed watching me squirm at the consequences of some of my recent antisocial actions.
My husband doesn’t want Depression in the house, as he is one of those guests who tends to stay too long and makes a real nuisance of himself.
What my husband does when he sees that Depression pulling up alongside the house with a moving truck is say, “Look at the kitty!”
This strategy worked really well for him the first time my younger son was hospitalized. We were leaving the hospital after having admitted him, and he could tell Depression was following me like a stray cat. Unluckily for Depression, though, there actually was a stray cat in the vicinity. My husband said, “Look at the kitty!” and I immediately ran over to see the cuteness nestled in the bushes bordering the parking lot, leaving Depression behind.
That kitty was God-sent, lemme tell ya.
Since then, hubby has successfully employed the strategy a few more times. Today he watched funny cat videos on the computer — not his usual activity, as he prefers reading about boats, cars and rude politicians. Soon, I heard him say, “Look at the kitty!” and before I knew it, I was laughing.
Disgusted, Depression got up and left the room.
I am so thankful that God made such cuteness in the world. Seriously. What if all the animals looked like beetles or squid? That would be awful.
This verse is why kitties are the antidote to depression:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
I don’t know about noble and admirable — I mean, Fur Elise didn’t look very noble eating bacon-soaked paper towels out of the trash this morning — but kitties definitely fit the bill otherwise.
Click here for the official Grumpy Cat website.
Thank goodness for cute kitties and good hubbies. <3
Yes. Good kitties are usually much easier to find than good hubbies.
A sense of humor about something is a life saver. I’m not into the grumpy cat, but I love watching funny or heartwarming videos. They ease my depression and loneliness.
And the awesome thing is that you don’t have to think. I picked up a book today and it was totally incomprehensible to me. Watching cat videos is about all I’m up for at the moment.
Big virtual hug across the miles to you.
Michelle, I just love what you write! You never fail to bring a smile to my face or a tear to my eye.
Thanks, Karla. You are such a great encourager. Sage still is amped about selling the earrings. 🙂
Hm… with kitty videos so popular on Youtube, I wonder how many of those people watching are depressed…
Cats really are interesting to look at. That’s why the internet gives us keyboard cat, ceiling cat, grumpy cat, and all those other cats.
Well, they’re probably not depressed after they watch them. 🙂 And basement cat. We have one.