Severe shyness disorder (which I use to mean real severe shyness) understandably enough, can lead to depression. The world over suffers from it; depression appears to be one of the more common forms of mental illness. It is one thing to be very shy, but must we endure depression as well? Are there ways to see it coming and divert it?

Perhaps the key to avoidance lay in seeing it coming. You probably know it already though…you get a series of negative thoughts. That is just exactly when you should tell yourself to change your mindset and to think of something positive. Maybe even count your blessings. Don’t return to the disturbing thoughts. Maybe the following day you can tackle them one at a time; write down your feelings about it, try to think of elevating the situation, but don’t dwell on it. Do a little each day.

And look up! Literally, the one thing we share the whole wide world around us is the sky. Feel bonded with the universe through it. Know you are here with others and that others, like you, have stacks of issues to deal with too. Imagine they too are looking at the sky. Where would they be and what would they be seeing?

And especially, when you look up, appreciate light. Light is what shines through us and makes us healthy. It is what we use to understand the world. Whoever came up with the term”enlightenment” understood this. The Dark Ages were just that. Dark, gloomy. Light symbolizes birth, growth;  darkness, decay, despair. The picture of the sky above offers both, light and dark. Of course you and everyone will head towards the blue part of the sky, avoiding the storm clouds. If you stare at the gloomy mass of darkness you may feel depressed. So, stare at the light and let it energize you.

The blue space in the sky will elevate your mood. Sometimes the sky is all dark; what to do then! Imagine the sun and blue sky, wait, and the clouds will blow away.

Avoiding depression and working on overcoming shyness will bring you around to a normal life. Then you will be as aware as they come: you’ve been through tough times and now you can appreciate and understand the meaning and value of mental health.

Temptations to shortchange your mind through associating with or employing anything but the best undermines success. For example, watching second rate TV shows or films with all the ads reduces your mind’s instincts to improve your mood. Think blue!