Are You Happy – or – Are You Depressed...?

ARE YOU “HAPPY” – OR – ARE YOU “DEPRESSED”...?

A Story for both the “Happy” and the “Depressed”

By

VIKRAM KARVE

A certain man made an appointment to see a renowned psychological counsellor.

The man duly arrived at the psychotherapist’s clinic and he said to him: “Sir – please help me. I always feel depressed. No matter what I do – I always feel depressed and dejected. I just do not know what to do...”

The counsellor looked at the depressed man and said to him: “Come with me to the window.”

The patient followed the therapist to the window. 

The counsellor pointed outside and said: “Do you see that huge tent over there in the distance...?” 

“Yes – I can see that tent...” the depressed man answered. 

Pointing towards the tent – the psychotherapist said to the depressed man:

“Well – that is a circus tent. 

In that tent there is a circus and it is really good. 

There are lots of acts to watch – especially the clown acts. 

And – there is one clown in particular who is extremely funny. 

The clown wears all sorts of costumes and masks – and – he performs hilarious antics. 

His masquerade acts are really fantastic. 

He will make you rock with side-splitting laughter over and over again. 

Go to the circus and see that cheerful clown perform – and – I guarantee you – that your depression will disappear...” 

The depressed man looked at the counsellor with sadness in his eyes.

“What’s wrong...?” the counsellor asked the depressed man.

The depressed man said: “Sir – I am that same circus clown...!”

MORAL OF THE STORY

What does the story of THE “HAPPY” CLOWN tell us...?

While judging human beings – you must not rely on external appearance alone. 

On the surface a person may look cheerful, calm and composed – but deep inside – he may be suffering from inner turmoil. 

Many persons outwardly always joke and laugh – but – they may actually be quite unhappy and depressed deep inside.

Outward cheerfulness may be a way to mask inner unhappiness.

Like the clown in the story – a person who makes others happy is sometimes sad himself. 

Maybe your effort at making others happy creates stress and depression within you.

So – why wear a “mask”...?

Why hide your true emotions under a mask – especially the mask of happiness.

Why not be genuine in displaying your true emotions...?

Why not laugh when you want to laugh – and – why not cry when you want to cry...? 

Why hide your inner emotions...?

Why suppress your true feelings...?

Why put on an act for the outside world...?

Why put on a fake smile when you are angry or unhappy...?

Why fake it...?

Why try to “manage” your image...? 

Does all this not cause enormous stress within you...? 

Won’t the constant masquerade of Image Management adversely affect your health in the long run?

Should you not beware of the dangers of “Image Management”...?

Do you want to be like the Depressed “Happy” Clown...?

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

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This is a revised repost of an article I wrote many years ago and have posted online in my various blogs a number of times including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/12/do-you-wear-mask.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/masquerade-do-you-wear-mask-dangers-of.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/03/cherophobia-can-happiness-cause.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/happiness-facade.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/12/happiness-and-depression.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/03/cherophobia-can-happiness-cause.html etc