The central idea is that when he went into the ‘feeling’ which was, perhaps, more properly labeled ‘excited anticipation’ he thought he was depressed. So, because he loved his new projects, the feeling was very strong. Problem is that he thought it was depression and behaved as if that were the case. He became physically lethargic to some extent, probably the normal response to excessive stress. Just imagine Christmas Eve lasting as long as it takes to build a custom home. I get tired just thinking about it.

“Somehow, the feeling picked up the meaning, “depression” and it was obvious why he had it”.

I missed the obvious:-)

Can you please clarify if possible

Thanks,

Mark

Contractor and his wife build custom homes together. When they are between jobs, he is just fine. As soon as they begin a new project, which they both find exciting, he experiences “depression”. It does not end until the project is over and then he is o.k. again until the next project. Medications had little effect in dealing with the “depression”.

With an anchored regression using only the feeling called “depression” as our guide we arrived at a very early experience, about age 6, when his father had promised him a trip to Disneyland. He entered that state, now labeled “excited anticipation” which was a very strong emotion. They eventually went to Disneyland, so that was not the problem. Somehow, the feeling picked up the meaning, “depression” and it was obvious why he had it. He loved building custom homes and eagerly anticipated their completion.

As soon as he learned this, the feeling was relabeled and he was just fine. We knew this couple for several years after this intervention, and he had no further ‘depression’. They built a lot of custom homes and had a ball.