Inadequate
Empirical evidence suggests a well-functioning cog in the giant machine of humanity.
Exhibit A: holding down a job that is itself just one step of a career;
Exhibit B: owning a bank account that is slowly but steadily trending away from negative numbers;
Exhibit C: keeping a well-groomed appearance, complete (sometimes) with a genuine smile...
To the casual observer it would be simple to conclude this individual is happy, safe, and sound. But let's dig deeper, shall we? Let's look in the mirror from 6 inches away instead of six feet.
Notice the bedroom that has yet to be unpacked, even after 5 months. Does this individual not want to make this space his own? Is he simply too lazy? Has he moved so much in the recent past that he has forgotten what home feels like?
Notice the boyfriend he hasn't spoken to in weeks. Is this a result of a mutual decision to cease and desist the romance? Is it healthy space which provides for personal growth? Or is it a selfish attempt to protect the individual?
Notice the frequent, heavy sighing with eyes closed. Meditation, perhaps? Too much Taco Bell? Maybe the world is suddenly overwhelming and he just needs a moment in limbo to fight off the urge to make the condition permanent.
Depression, he knows, has a physiological root, though it's manifestation is complex. This helps, but not enough. Other things help as well, like physical affection, swimming, writing. They help except when they don't. That's the hardest part. We are creatures of habit. What happens when the habits we form suddenly shift from being a positive influence to at best a neutral one, at worst a negative one?
We form friendships out of these habits. We do things with out friends. How do you explain to your friend that the things you've been doing together aren't helpful today? Maybe not tomorrow? Maybe not ever?
There's a requirement of predictability in human existence. We collect data and draw conclusions based on the evidence.
Exhibit A: holding down a job that is itself just one step of a career;
Exhibit B: owning a bank account that is slowly but steadily trending away from negative numbers;
Exhibit C: keeping a well-groomed appearance, complete (sometimes) with a genuine smile...
To the casual observer it would be simple to conclude this individual is happy, safe, and sound. But let's dig deeper, shall we? Let's look in the mirror from 6 inches away instead of six feet.
Notice the bedroom that has yet to be unpacked, even after 5 months. Does this individual not want to make this space his own? Is he simply too lazy? Has he moved so much in the recent past that he has forgotten what home feels like?
Notice the boyfriend he hasn't spoken to in weeks. Is this a result of a mutual decision to cease and desist the romance? Is it healthy space which provides for personal growth? Or is it a selfish attempt to protect the individual?
Notice the frequent, heavy sighing with eyes closed. Meditation, perhaps? Too much Taco Bell? Maybe the world is suddenly overwhelming and he just needs a moment in limbo to fight off the urge to make the condition permanent.
Depression, he knows, has a physiological root, though it's manifestation is complex. This helps, but not enough. Other things help as well, like physical affection, swimming, writing. They help except when they don't. That's the hardest part. We are creatures of habit. What happens when the habits we form suddenly shift from being a positive influence to at best a neutral one, at worst a negative one?
We form friendships out of these habits. We do things with out friends. How do you explain to your friend that the things you've been doing together aren't helpful today? Maybe not tomorrow? Maybe not ever?
There's a requirement of predictability in human existence. We collect data and draw conclusions based on the evidence.