Self-Management of Depression

We have all heard the phrase “every cloud has a silver lining,” which suggests that there is something good in every outcome, no matter how difficult or challenging the situation may be. This is also relevant when it comes to using optimism as a tool to overcome depression. When going through the throes of depression with its propensity to see everything in a negative light, being optimistic can be challenging. However, one can still find optimism even in adversity and suffering as did Victor Frankl during his years in the World War II Nazi concentration camp (Frankl, 2006). Frankl describes “tragic optimism” as: Feeling optimistic in the face of tragedy Making the best of any given situation Turning suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment Using guilt as an opportunity to change yourself for the better Using the knowledge that life is transitory as an incentive to take responsible action If you can learn to identify something good in a bad situation, then finding the one...