Sinking into Depression

T 

hese days many people are experiencing chronic low mood for the first time. There are others who are old friends with low moods and/or depression, who are becoming reacquainted with these familiar companions. Either way, the impact of one’s mood on loved ones is more intense than ever; many folks are stuck in close quarters with unhappy relatives. Like the sufferer, they are the victims of disordered mood. Only that mood doesn’t belong to them.

“My father is easy to read. When business is good, he’s always in a great mood. He’s bubbly, generous, funny, and great to be around. But when business is bad he becomes irritable, snappy, and mean. Last year was a great year for the business, so my father was a happy man and a pleasure to be around.

“But then coronavirus hit. Now there’s yelling, arguing, crying, and door slamming. And it’s not coming from my three-year-old brother. It’s coming from my parents.”

Angry Moods

Depression isn’t always shown through tears and lethargy. It’s often displayed through irritability. People who are depressed are negative: Nothing is good, everything is bad, there’s no point in anything, there’s no hope for change.