Dr. Fletcher

(writing notes) Jimmy H. wrote on www.helpmypatients.com: "Marty thinks he's doing the right thing by holding onto Susan but he's only making himself depressed. Tell him this cycle of depression has no value at all."

Marty

In my thoughts about Susan I've been going over a difficulty in thinking about her. It's that she was depressed sometimes. She would sleep late for no apparent reason. She didn't want to play fetch the way we liked to play fetch. She would lose her appetite.

Dr. Fletcher

Well, that sounds hard. You know, it's interesting - as you bring that up it reminds me that - I didn't know you when you were with Susan, I don't know if you were in the same state - but these are things that you have exhibited in yourself. You are to some extent a depressive person.

Marty

You think so? I don't think so. I think of myself as reflective. A thoughtful, reflective person. I don't have any indications that I'm depressed.

Dr. Fletcher

I wonder though if it might be that the dynamic in your relationship with Susan was that your depression might have been what rubbed off on her. I wonder if, if you had been -

Marty

You're still suggesting that I'm depressed. But what I'm trying to say is that I'm not.

Dr. Fletcher

Well, I think you are depressed and I wonder if it might be that case that Susan was depressed because of your influence. I wonder if that's something to think about. Your impact on other people that way.

Marty

That would be a very difficult thought for me.

Dr. Fletcher

Well, I think it may be true. And I think it's worth -

Marty

I don't think so. I don't think so.

Dr. Fletcher

I guess what I'm suggesting is if you could sort of change your outlook, you might not have the effect on other people that you did on Susan of making her depressed and bringing her down. She might have been a little less depressed if you hadn't been the type of person who is prone to fixate on things and not to move on.

Marty

You're starting to make me feel bad.

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