Depression is sneaky. Sometimes it hits you when you’re looking the other way. When you think you’re doing great. Then – WHAM – up-side the head.
Depression is a lie. It makes you think the things you love aren’t worth it. It tells you that it’s easier to just sit there and let the world happen. It’ll happen anyway, so what’s the use.
But … sometimes … if you’re very, very lucky, you can dig out. Not because it feels right or because it’s something you feel like you should do. Just because being under the rock gets boring and maybe things will be different.
They won’t.
But I’m still digging.
The world need you and your great books
Captain – sorry to hear your going through a rough patch. I was getting worried – missed your morning walk/my morning drive. Glad to see your getting better enough to surface. I was getting worried about your absence.
It seems like it’s been a tough year for you. But I have confidence you’ll work your way through it.
We’ll be waiting for you when you arrive.
– Jeff
A wise man once said “There are times when it is enough just to breath.”
Best wishes.
It has been a vey rough year for you, that you have managed well under the circumstances.
You enrich many peoples lives every day. Be gentle on yourself.
Take care!
In the spirit of Tanyth and Korlay, here’s a hand to help you pull yourself up. Brightest blessings.
Nathan,
I wish you and yours all the best. It sometimes feels as if you are all alone but I want you to know you never alone. You have friends and associates all over this country. They care about you and only wish you the best. From another traveler on the road.
John
Not just all over the country – all over the world! I’m still walking and it was you who inspired me. Hope you’ll be back walking soon. It helps. Take care of yourself. Lesley
Hi Nathan, During a hard time in my life I saw this poem and it helped very much.
I hope that it will help you now.
Footprints In The Sand
“One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me.”
The Lord replied,
“My son, My precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I Carried You.”
Written by Carolyn Carty, 1963″
As your inevitable internet research has undoubtedly told you, extreme creativity and depression are somehow linked in the human brain. A large percentage of VERY creative folks also suffer from depression. Not fun, and not easy. A friend in that situation says she’s made the decision that the depression is a nuisance to overcome, but not a life breaker. Acceptance of that as part of who you are is part of the “digging out” process, I think. You are that “exceptionally creative” – keep hanging on and dig! Wishing you the best.
Hi Nathan,
We’ve been worried about you. You are in our thoughts.
Keep digging.
Leila
Thank you for digging. Yes. Depression lies. I am hoping that very soon you will hear a different tune. There are fresh breezes and new good days to be had. Take care of yourself, Mr. Lowell.
I’d love to offer advice, but everyone’s experience with depression is a deeply personal thing. What helped me would probably sound patronising, if I suggested it to you or would be something you couldn’t do. Like going travelling for a week or two.
I just hope that better times arrive soon
I amongst others value you and your work. I have found comfort and inspiration in your story and your stories. Depression is a tricky beast and we all have our own methods for hunting it.
Be well.
Depression is a pit that you claw your way out of. It would be so great if all these good wishes were ropes. We could throw them in to help you climb out.
When my doctor told me I was depressed I refused to believe it. Sure it was hormonal, I went to an endocrinologist. When HE told me it was depression I cried, saying, “That is so depressing!”
your fans are with you Sar, keep digging. your loved by many and you have tons of ppl in your corner rooting for you. keep swinging.
I agree that depression is very personal. How to get out is just as personal. I was in deep a few years ago and all I wanted to do was put earphones on and block out the world. I did not want to listen to music as it was way too upbeat. I stumbled on Podiobooks and downloaded the top rated science fiction story. It was someplace I could go to and not be here. It happened to have been Quarter Share. Listening to Quarter Share (for about 10 times over and over) helped tremendously to drag me back up. I will still go back to it every now and then.
Here to hoping you find your “Quarter Share.”
Nathan,
Never stop fighting. Life is worth it.
We’re all so sorry that you are suffering. We’re also all pulling for you. Come out into the light. You have friends by the tens of thousands (even hundreds of thousands!). Few people can say that. We really do need you. Your mind has vast reach and influences everyone of us who follows you — whether on your walks or in your books.
Nathan,
I don’t have a lot of words of comfort for you. I’ve been there, and I know that each time it’s a fresh struggle to get back out. It’s a hard fight, but it’s worth it.
In the meantime, know that fresh readers are discovering you and yearning for more. My wife just started into Owner’s Share last night, and I’m planning on giving Quarter Share to my daughter for her upcoming birthday. It will be the first science fiction she’ll read.
Best wishes,
Dan