How do you cope?

I love how you've said the "mire of their own mind." I think everyone has experienced these types of feelings at least once in their life. I'm actually going through a difficult situation right now that has caused me to think about what's going on constantly. If I allow myself to dwell on it, it makes me very sad and almost depressed. I've never been clinically depressed, but I believe everyone experiences depression at least once in their life no matter how happy of a person they may be. When I'm in the "depths of despair," at first I'll ask, "Why?" or "Why me?" I can't do that and expect to come out of it, though. I have to say, "Why not? I can make it through this!" They say the cure to depression is to help others. I try to focus my mind, will, emotion, and thoughts on something else. If it's something that leads to depression, why even bother thinking about it? Sometimes I'll grab a bowl of popcorn or a bowl of my favorite ice cream. That always helps cheer me up! I'll spend time with a friend. I'll go shopping. I'll call my boyfriend on the phone and let him cheer me up. There are so many ways I've found to pull my mind out of the slums. I try to be a positive person so I can be the encouragement to someone else who may be having a bad day. I love making people smile. I find that when I focus on others, I can't help but be happy! Great discussion, friend.