Cyndi's Two Cents

Purple drowsies

Happy Thanksgiving!  Although there are times when this old world seems to have more meanness than kindness in it, I am thankful for the many blessings I recognize as well as those I take for granted every day.

For many years in this space, I have written about that for which I am grateful. The older I get, the longer the list.  However, during the days and weeks ahead when the sky is often gray and days become night much earlier, it seems easier to lose focus of that which brings me joy.  You can call it slight depression, feeling blue, or as my uncle called it “Purple drowsies.”   Many of us experience some level of sadness or hopelessness at different times in our lives, but for most it passes without incident.

Unfortunately, for many of our friends, neighbors and family members, the entire holiday season is a time of sadness instead of gladness. I know people who become melancholy and others who are overwhelmed with anxiety during this most wonderful time of the year. I’d guess there are very few of us who haven’t been a bit stressed with the demands (mostly self-inflicted) on our time and bank account, but many others experience full-blown depression throughout the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s Holiday weeks.

I’m not a doctor or a mental health professional, so would never suggest that simply being positive and upbeat can bring a person out of depression.  However, I do know that emotions are as contagious as any disease.  I remember very clearly how, at one of my first jobs, the mood of the manager when he walked into the office set the day’s mood for all of us who worked for him.  If he was scowling or grumbling as he walked through that door, we all walked on eggshells and avoided contact and conflict with him.  If he was smiling, we were joyful and productive and creative and inspired.

Not long before I left that job, I visited a doctor who explained to me how the painful and otherwise inexplicable physical symptoms I was experiencing came only after spending a couple of days in a particularly “dark” work environment.  When I asked him what I could do to prevent these symptoms from coming back, he told me quite matter-of-factly, “Get a new job.”   It’s not always that simple, is it?

Everywhere I go these days there are hand sanitizer dispensers to help prevent the spread of illness by killing bacteria, fungi and some viruses, none of which are more contagious than a smile or laughter – or panic or fear.

Last week a young mother sitting at our dining room table asked her small child to “Please cover your mouth when you cough.”  As you encounter people this holiday season, you will not sneeze or cough on them, so why in the world would you infect them with your negative attitude?

If you or someone you know suffers from persistent sadness or anxiety, is plagued by physical complaints, excessive irritability, fatigue or loss of energy, or lacks interest in doing things they once enjoyed, professional help could be needed.