We all get down at times. Some of us (actually quite a few of us) have suffered from depression or other form of mental illness. But I’ve discovered some interesting things about being down… depressed.

Examples: a loss… a game, a job, a relationship. These are times to be clear. These are times when you can be most creative, most open … actually most effective. Even though it seems just the opposite. Later in life we decline physically. It is for many when spirit, wisdom flourish. Yes?

God actually moves you, wants you to be down. The Psalms say, “It is good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Or when you’re down… God is closest to you, most present. This is when He comes to lift you, purify you. Though difficult, prolonged … suffering can be a very enriching, eye opening experience. 1Corinthians calls “long suffering” a gift of the spirit.I’ve been reading the book “A First Rate Madness” by Nassir Ghaemi. A clinical psychologist he takes leaders like Lincoln, Ghandi, Churchill, Kennedy and others. The premise? All these great leaders suffered at some time in their lives from some form of mental illness. Conditions that actually contributed, enhanced their leadership style.A lot has been written about Abraham Lincoln’s many depressive episodes after which he made some of his most monumental decisions. Churchill’s bouts with depression and his withdrawal to painting to recover. Ghandi’s refusal to take the few remedies available in his time for his depression. This is not coincidental in my view. Contradictory, yes.  But so interesting. It is not well known that Martin Luther King and Ted Turner both Atlanta born leaders were bipolar. Further evidence maybe that their illness may have been a key to the heights they achieved. Ghaemi diagnoses each of the leaders above citing various times in their lives when illness was present. And how great achievements followed these times of affliction.

A stunning example. During WWII Hitler posed a serious threat to Great Britain. Neville Chamberlain, then Prime Minister, wanted to, thought the British could reason, negotiate with Hitler. Churchill said NO! Hitler was the a reincarnation of the devil. The more passive Chamberlain was overruled by a zealous Churchill. An awareness that may have sprouted during one of his depressive states. Like you I’ve been down, even diagnosed as depressed in the past and been treated for it. I heard yesterday true or not that 1 in 5 of today’s teens suffer from some form of mental impairment.

All this fascinates me. I coach by referring to being down as mental and spiritual exercise. Just like working out to build our bodies view the challenging hard times as exercise for our minds, our faith. Times when God may be most present. When we acquire drive to do better, become a leader. Or more simply lead ourselves better along the path… on the journey ahead.