hello
i am now reading about cognitive therapy. it brings to mind the power of groups. i have written about toastmasters on here. It instutionalizes social intereaction....everyone participates in an orderly manner. everyone is uplifted with positive feedback etc etc. shy people are made to feel part of a group. people listen to them and support their opinions.
also i have been involved with grief groups where everyone gets an opportunity to speak and that was certainly very positive.
i can look at other group experiences, such as bible studies...the power comes not from the subject which the groups focus on, but on the actual process of what happens in the group as people interact. if we experience positive interaction within a group, it uplifts us and makes us feel better.
finding and attending certain types of inclusive, participatory groups therefore appears to constitute a positive manner of lifting us out of depression, at least for a period of time.
i think it works for me...i simply have to find an ongoing group that meets for several hours a day...mmmmmmmm perhaps a vegas poker game. I will have to try poker to determine what it does for me. perhaps losing would be too depressing....just deregard this last paragraph :)
bob
