Man With Unyielding Depression Starts Picking Up Litter–And Helps Clear 13 Tons of Trash with Family and Strangers

[Michie]

A 32-year-old began picking up litter to help his mental health and now his whole family spends quality time together on the clean-ups, while helping their community.

Mike Scotland began experiencing depression in his late 20s. After struggling for some time, he found himself by the bank of the River Don in his hometown of Aberdeen, England, surrounded by litter and ready to take his own life.

Thankfully, his mind was changed—but whenever Mike would pass the river, a known local dumping ground, the rubbish would remind him of that dark day. So he decided to take matters into his own hands.

Continued below.

Man With Unyielding Depression Starts Picking Up Litter–And Helps Clear 13 Tons of Trash with Family and Strangers

A depressed 32-year-old began picking up litter for his mental health–now his family enjoys time organizing river clean-ups in Aberdeen.

www.goodnewsnetwork.org

 

[FireDragon76]

There is alot of wisdom here. Depression is almost never due to a lack of neurochemicals in the brain, but a lack of imaginative engagement with life.

Evagrius of Pontus wrote about the dangers of idleness leading to despondency many centuries ago. Humans are goal directed animals and only flourish when their lives are directed to a purpose that is greater than themselves, whether it is expressed through good deeds or arts.