Reasons Why I Get Depressed

Because I don’t feel that I’m living up to my life purpose, whatever that is.
Because my less than ideal work situation takes up time that I would rather spend on things that matter more to me.
Because I don’t connect to others as easily and as deeply as I’d like.
Because I see people with children, and realize that it is probably very unlikely that I’ll ever experience the depth of love that comes with having children of my own.
Because if I’m not going to have children anyway, then why am I not traveling and having adventures and experiencing the world more?
Because I feel stuck…and bored.
Because I know that the dream trip I wanted to take to Sedona this summer is not going to happen.
Because I’m not finding the job I planned to get after completing my Masters degree back in December.
Because some people are really mean and selfish, and don’t realize, or don’t care, how hurtful their actions can be.
Because I really liked that framed art I saw in IKEA today and knew it wouldn’t go with the decor of the house, and I really don’t have the money to buy it anyway.
Because I miss those carefree times of just hanging out with my friends and goofing around.
Because sometimes I wonder if I’m incapable of doing that last thing anymore.

But I know that the real reason is because I don’t know how to cope during difficult situations. And not knowing how to cope causes me to continue focusing on negative thoughts. And negative thoughts turn my attention AWAY from being connected to source. And being disconnected to source makes me unhappy. And being unhappy causes me to forget that I can choose to feel another way.

So I look around me and feel bad, and that causes me to think that everything around me is making me feel bad. But nothing changes, so I feel the situation is hopeless.

But sometimes I wonder where that line is between simply choosing to feel different and actually taking action to make things different in life. How do you know when it is time to make a change?