Blogging Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu--The Art of War

"All warfare is based on deception."

The words "depression" and "deception" aren't that far off--and for good reason.

"Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

Depression may strike you when you least expect it. Conversely, however, you can strike it at an opportune moment, when it expects you to do one thing, and you--anticipating--do something else entirely.

"It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on."

Only the hardened understanding forged in the battle against depression can give you the knowledge of how best to beat it. There are no quick solutions. It takes time.

"Camp in high places, facing the sun."

Depression loves darkness. Strive to spend as much time as you can in the light, both literally and metaphorically.

"When [the enemy] is aloof and tries to provoke a battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance."

The thunder and bluster of depression are a front. When it feels like it can't possibly get any worse, that is when you know the battle is almost won.

"If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in."

At the slighest sign of weakening in your depression, attack. Take no prisoners.

"A wind that rises in the daytime lasts long, but a night breeze soon falls."

Depression is a night breeze; joy is a daytime wind.

"Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content."

Depression may be--WILL be--succeeded by joy.

"[W]hat enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge."

"We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps."

Learn the patterns of your depression. When does it advance? Directly, or by subterfuge? Does it rush headlong into battle or hold back, waiting for you to make the first move?

"Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."

"Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field."

Confronting depression is noble, but a head-to-head battle isn't likely to end favorably. Instead, seek a way to undermine your depression without raising a hand against it.

"The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success."

No matter how wretched you feel, set a routine and follow it. Depression loathes the regularity of a well-structured day..

"Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all; amid confusion and chaos, your array may be without head or tail, yet it will be proof against defeat."

Depression can flail and wail all it wants; its fury is, paradoxically, the sign of its weakness and desperation. When facing it, remain calm; victory is near.

"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstance."

Just because one stratagem was successful, do not assume it will succeed again; always be on the lookout for new tactics.


"Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:--this is the art of retaining self-possession."

Again, let your depression rage all it wants; its disquiet is a sign of desperation.

"Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to attack are signs that he will retreat."

It is no coincidence that many patients with depression attempt suicide precisely when they are beginning to get better. Depression speaks in honeyed words, lulling you to sleep. Ironically, it is during respites of peace that your vigilance must be at its highest. Calmly, but steadily, watch out for subterfuge.

"Whether the object be to crush an army, to storm a city, or to assassinate an individual, it is always necessary to begin by finding out the names of the attendants, the aides-de-camp, the door-keepers and sentries of the general in command. Our spies must be commisioned to ascertain these."

Get to know your depression in intimate detail. Do not wage battle against it without a detailed blueprint.