Eric W. SmithDepression and misery. Eventually, after a sufficient amount of self-laceration, I'll get distracted for a moment and something worthwhile will pop in…moreDepression and misery. Eventually, after a sufficient amount of self-laceration, I'll get distracted for a moment and something worthwhile will pop into my head and I'll start typing. A cautionary note, though: In my experience sufficient self-laceration can take anywhere from a few minutes to a decade. (less)