I'd have to say no. When I am down, I am very self-absorbed and even selfish. I could be wrong, but I think that is pretty common among those with depression. It is , in my opinion, a little different that you have the capacity for compassion for others when you are down. l don'[t know if it is helpful or not.. On one hand I think it would take your mind off of yourself, but on the other hand, if others' issues bring you further down, it is not a good thing. Hmmmm.

I'd have to say I worry about my own problems. When I think of other people's problems or world wide problems it just brings me down further. So basically I stay self-absorbed and try to take care of myself. It may sound selfish but I call it survival. hugs

Some very good answers here.. Its really good to see 9miler here..

I wish I could more absorbed in my own problems but truthfully, I really have no reason to be depressed.. I am not broke (not rich either), I have a job, healthy children etc etc.. But I find myself very anxious and depressed. I start thinking that everyone is depressed and then I take on their problems in my mind.. I hate it.. I dont know what else to do.. It triggers these emotions in me and it takes me back to when I was prego with my oldest and on my own.. I would even cry over peoples problems on soaps... Im weird like that..

Hey Sweetie,

When I was depressed, Anything And Everything could send me into that dark abyss.
Worrying about my kids, my hubby, my tiny circle of friends. If I was
"happy" it could end instantaneously if something caused me worry or fear.
And Honey, I cried over soaps and movies ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!
If You're "Weird" Then I'm WEIRD Too :-) :-)

Love And Hugs Darlin'

Sorry to hear how your feeling! I'd have to say yes, yes, and yes. U sound just like me. It makes my anxiety and depression so much worse. i have to keep reminding myself that i dont have control of what happens to them, only me. It is hard. I tend to be so sensitive of other peoples issues. i know how u feel.

it's a strange feeling. i also tend to be the one who is too nice to others...nice when they dont deserve it! it's something im working on right now. u are not alone hun!!

I am really not as nice as you might think... really

Another thing i wanted to add, i feel in my mind like i want to help everyone and be this big super hero. i want to mean something to people. I am a sensitive person.

I went to school and got my Bachelors Degree in mental health and human services. Ever since then, my "over sensitiveness" has been higher. I feel like i know A LOT about psychology and am alright at giving people advice. I see someone and learn about them and think..."they must be suffering from BI polar". It makes me feel weird.

****hugs****

I am so very anxious and uneasy right now.. I am bouncing off the walls in my head.. I come here and then play a game of cards, work, look at ebay, work.. come back here.. I wish I could escape my busy mind and the body that is carrying it... I hate it.. YUCKY.....

It's the New Moon! I'm Telling Ya!!!!!!!

Sorry I missed this post (really I am). But seriously, on the 26th the new moon hit and it's been hell time for me - I feel ya!!!!!!!

I got some ideas to distract you, but you'll need to PM me - ;-)!!!

#8 - BAHAHAHAHAHHAAH!!!!!!!!!!

Yer such a Bitch!

you got it Beastro... I need a distraction...

I hate to say it but I am glad that you are in the same boat.... unfortunately...

Its funny you posted right after I did... *same wave length* Strange and mysterious

(((Hugs Beastie))) When I am depressed and anxious, which seems to be all the time with me, yes I worry about others and their problems. Yes there problems make my depression worse and yes I can have a habit of putting myself in their shoes but I am getting better about not doing that. I have a habit of worrying about others more than myself which hasn't done me any good. What I mean is, I worry about their lives getting better but I don't focus on my own life. But at this point in my life, I am working to change all of this.

I just think in doing this, it makes me a very compassionate person and one who has empathy for others who are hurting. But there needs to be a balance and that is something I haven't been good at. I also find myself thinking many times, that other people have the key to life and I don't. They can figure life out and I can't make sense out of any of it. For example jobs, how some people will lie, manipulate to get jobs and other people who are real and honest, won't get a job. My original thinking is if you work hard and is honest, then you will get what you deserve. Now life is helping me not to believe this way and that doesn't make sense to me.

When something doesn't make sense to me, it makes my depression worse. It is something that happens many times in my life as well. I see a lot of shit around me but I can't make sense of any of it, therefore making me more depressed. Do I enjoy being this way, NO but it is what happens with me? Sorry to ramble, just wonder if other people feel this way as well? I hope I answered your questions Beastie. Keep taking care of YOU and keep posting how you feel, it helps at times...Love you..

When I am in the funk, I will almost take on the problems of other people as if they are mine - it makes it Worse. I do both. I worry more about myself too. It's a kind of over all feeling, like the whole mess is going to hell. There is no such thing as hope - only in as much as hope lets us down every time. It;s a downward spiral. I'm like you in that I got Nothing to bitch about, but I'm getting slammed Inside ..... I get that ..................

Yes. What you say makes sense.

It's hard to say. I guess it depends on how down I really am whether or not it makes me worse.

We've been on that same wave length since a few previous life times. We won't let this crap get us this time around either.