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Originally Posted by z1freeride  I believe that emotion is the result of a desire/need/expectation being fulfilled or unfulfilled. Personally I would define "depressed" as an emotion. So, from how I look at it, you didn't choose to change your emotion (the left side of the equation), you changed the other side of the equation which produced a different result.
You can choose what you desire, need or expect which in turn will change your emotions.
So, I don't think it's possible to just say "I'm going to be happy and not depressed anymore." You have to do exactly what you did. Being grateful fulfills desires to have X, to be X, etc. |
Clinical (or chronic) depression is more than just an emotion... the emotional type you speak about is what is referred to as "the blues" but Clinical depression, as was explained to me by my therapist is an illness of the brain and body. You feel physical "impairments" in your body as well. There is an emotional impact sure, but it is not the sole criteria. As far as it being a choice, well I don't want to be depressed anymore, and yet ironically I am... so I think there is more than meets the eye to the average person.