An Attack Of The Blues

Moods are elusive things and they afflict everybody in some shape or form. The only difference is that some of us are more aware of them and managed to control them better than others.

No matter how fortunate or how lucky we are, there are times when life gets us down. It is not always the result of coping with problems and people and our various ups-and-downs, but a feeling deep inside us of restlessness and apprehension.

We may feel discouraged and depressed for no apparent reason; dissatisfied with ourselves and our lives, uncertain of people, and unsure of the future. Like the weather, a ‘fit of blues’, as we often call it, can come upon us quite suddenly taking us out of the sunshine of happiness into a cloud of gloom.

Usually, it does not last long, but departs just as suddenly as other people and the things we have to do distract our attention from ourselves. In the hustle-bustle of life we can carry on being busy without admitting these things to ourselves. 

It is possible, however, to find it happening more frequently and lasting longer and becoming harder and harder to throw off – especially if we are naturally moody individuals.

Small temporary frustrations they may be, but if left to itself, ‘a fit of blues’ will persuade us to think about all the miserable things, the unpleasant people and our failures.

Hence, when we have ‘an attack of the blues’, the first step is to recognize it for what it is – a temporary condition where you feel low, and out of sorts. This might last a day or two and it will disappear as suddenly as it appears.

The next step would be to keep your mind off the situation by engaging in activities which require your attention or concentration. Go to the movies, call up your friends, go for a swim, or a jog. Get busy, do something. 

Whatever you do, do not dwell on the situation. It will only make you feel worse. If you must know what is happening and why it is happening, understand that it is your bio-rhythm at work. 

Just as there are days when we feel great for no apparent reason, there will be days when we fell terrible for no apparent reason. It is all part and parcel of our emotional build up. It afflicts us all, and this will happen throughout our lives.

Inevitably, the ‘fit of blues’ will leave you in a day or two and all will return to normal.