Problem Solvers

If there's one thing upon which I truly and completely pride myself, it's my ability to solve problems.  If I can't get something to work one way, I'll look to see if there is another way to get around it.  If I get stuck on an issue, I'll put it away and come back later to take a fresh look at it, hoping that there was something that I may have missed the first time.  This has worked very well for me.

But let me tell you what I despise: people who try to solve other peoples' problems.  Especially when the one with the problem *isn't asking for anyone's help*.  Thank you for "caring", but I can do this without you.  Why?  Because your suggestions suck.

Example:

Friend: "Matt, you just need to have positive thoughts."
Me: "You think I HAVEN'T thought of that already?!  Thank you for stating the obvious."

Reason for outburst: it's something I like to call "Clinical Depression".  You may have heard of it before.  But for those who don't understand what that entails, let me show you.

There are certain chemicals in the brain that help it to function "normally", if you will.  As you see here, with my type of depression, the serotonin levels are off.  So when I go any length of time without something to help get the serotonin back where it's supposed to be, I get increasingly depressed and irritable.  Edgy, as I like to say.  It also makes it extremely difficult to just "think positive thoughts".

And for those of you ignorant people who just say "it's a choice to have positive thoughts", you have no idea what you're saying and you have no right to say that.  Especially to someone like me.  Trying to tell me that only makes it worse.

I've had people tell me that being around me when I'm like that is like "walking on eggshells".  Two things.  1) Why would you ever walk on eggshells? and 2) it's your own d*** fault.  So don't try to blame it on me.

So, counsel from the wise to the uneducated, keep your "advice" to yourself.  I'm doing just fine figuring out my own problems and don't require your input unless I specifically ask for it.  You don't see me telling you how to run YOUR life.  So let me take care of my own life, just like you want to be in charge of yours.