Last week I commented on this quote,
“Happiness is a quality of mind. It is something we possess within…if we do not have it within, nothing outside can give it to us.”
– Paramananda
My parting line was “Happiness is a choice.” I have to provide a corollary to that.
A significant portion of our population can’t make that choice. They suffer from dysthymia, a chronic depression that impacts their ability to be optimistic, recognize good things, find joy, and believe the best.
Those people have to choose happiness in a roundabout way, by accepting a need to seek treatment for their depression. If you are one of those people who is never interested in anything, have trouble concentrating, believe nothing good is coming in your life, and you’ve ‘always been this way.’ Then perhaps you have dysthymia. It’s important to see your doctor, because it can be managed with medication. You have to be responsible for your life: you want it to be the best it can be. Investigate your options. See your doctor.
Choose happiness.
Shawn L. Bird 
Thank you for bringing this message and link for those who are not aware of dysthymia, and a gentle reminder for those who have dysthymia or know someone who does!
It can be SOOOO frustrating dealing with someone suffering from dysthymia. Because they have never really felt good, they don’t believe they can. I’ve watched the miracle as people blossom through treatment, and I’ve watched the downward spiral from those who refuse to keep trying. It’s a nasty illness. However, nagging seems to help, so if you know someone who seems to fit the symptoms, keep encouraging him to see his doctor!