I decided a long time ago not to lable feelings as 'good' and 'bad'.

My entire life has been filled with ups and downs. In my very young years, my feelings were never a problem. When I began attending school, teachers would constantly ask me what was bothering me and would advise me to 'pick my chin up'. I was just fine, but I began to believe the myth that feelings are either 'good' or 'bad'.

It is easy to try and make others responsible for ones feelings because we live in 'positive thinking' culture.

I finally got my soul back when I deconstructed what society had laid on me regarding feelings and behavior.

I often tell people that half my life has been spent letting others screw me up and now I am spending the second half undoing the damage. The good news for me is I am no longer convinced of the idea that I need to always feel good. Chasing after good feelings is a big waste of time. When your feeling down, enjoy the ride and remember that the lower you go, the higher you'll be when you come out of your funk.

OTOH-I know there is clinical depression and I do not claim to know anything about it. I have a daughter who is in her final year of a masters degree in child phychology and she educates me a little.