Lack of perspective

Sometimes, helping others find their way out of depression is a great cure for our own miseries. And one of the most common things running through my head after listening to people explain their depressions is "You're getting all upset just for THIS?!?!"

Not to say their worries are unimportant or anything...but really! Is it really worth getting all upset over it? I think people who have had near death experiences come out much happier and peaceful precisely because of this. They know it CAN be worst. They know that the problem in front of them now is insignificant and unimportant. A story I once heard (and love):

A son of an FBI agent once got into a little trouble with the bank, and is unable to pay back his loans. He was dipping in and out of depression for weeks, and finally called his dad for some advice.

"Dad...I don't know what to do. I'm screwed!"
"Son, is anyone going to come and kill you?"
"Well, no."
"Then you have nothing to worry about."

Step back a little bit! Very rarely is the problem in front of us as big as we think it is. In fact, most of the time, it really isn't a problem at all!

So the next time you find yourself getting upset over something, ask yourself "Is anyone going to kill you?" If not, then get on with it!