This weekend, my husband, Tim, and I took two of our grandchildren to see “Zootopia” in a theatre that has less expensive tickets. I prefer that. Very quickly, Tim and I were laughing out loud as quips from the characters mixed with action. He and I appeared to be the only two adults laughing out loud and our two grandchildren found the film interesting and quietly delightful.
This morning, as I read the Nordic noir novel, THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN WHO CRAWLED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED by Jonas Johansson, I again found myself laughing out loud at the cleverly written sentences about a handful of amoral and cheerful men and one woman who did not watch her language.
I also noted that the sun was shining, determined to lighten the world through weak, hazy clouds.
For many of us, there is a connection between sun, laughter, and smiles, or just that open space in our bodies that says, “Life is good”.
There are some who say that Seasonal Affective Disorder, that sadness or depression that comes with a lack of light, is not a real mental health issue. I wonder if those persons live in Minnesota.
We are, in Minnesota, thankful for the added minutes each day we gain with light.
If, however, you find yourself feeling a lack of joy, a lack of pleasure at what normally gives you pleasure, this can be a sign or symptom of a more determined depression.
No one is happy everyday, all day, but if there appears no source of lightness inside the body or mind for weeks or months, this is the time to begin a conversation with someone.
Depression is no joke. Come in and talk.