Before you read on, it’s important to stress that as always, the views, ideas and opinions I express here are my own. I’m not a psychologist, nor a doctor. I’m just a guy suffering from depression who’s thought about it a lot.
I’m intrigued, deeply intrigued, as to why we don’t talk more about depression. I want to know why my Instagram pictures get more likes than my blogs about mental health and why people are reluctant to share anything online that associates them with depression. I’m intrigued because I believe if we got to a point where people could say “I’ve got depression” without feeling internalised shame or judgment, we may just save lives.
So why don’t we?
Well firstly, we can’t see depression and everyone’s experience of it is unique. So there’s an argument for suggesting we don’t really know what exactly it is we are talking about in the first place.
Secondly, I believe that because of it’s invisible nature, it scares people. We humans like to quantify things. To a large extent we understand but crucially we can see cancer, broken bones and infections. Our minds can understand and rationalise them. But we don’t like the unknown, it scares us. So we’d rather not associate with it. It’s a very human response.
And finally, I think people are still unsure as to how they can actually help those in need. Campaigns to end the stigma are fantastic and will make a huge difference. But I think the goal, and perhaps even the cure for some people’s depression needs to be more explicit – be prepared to acknowledge depression exists and talk openly about it, either as a sufferer, survivor, or supporter. More and more campaigns share this view and I support them wholeheartedly.
I believe an episode or two of depression in someone’s life can also provide them with great insight, help them identify areas where they are unhappy and maybe even provide enlightenment.
The grip of depression can be punishing, cruel, and cast the darkest of shadows on a person’s life (trust me, I know). But I believe an episode or two of depression in someone’s life can also provide them with great insight, help them identify areas where they are unhappy and maybe even provide enlightenment. I am utterly convinced that because of this, depression starts as a healthy condition. The mind moves to a depressed state for a reason.
But left unmanaged, depression can have devastating affects on a person’s life. And I’ve given much thought as to why that may happen, why people get stuck with depression.
You can’t manage depression alone. Fact. Whilst it bears so many gifts, it can also be an evil taskmaster, taking over your thoughts and convincing you in some cases that you’d be better off dead. Suicide and depression are all too commonly associated. Knowing people have got your back, that you’re not fighting alone, that you’re not a burden on those around you, is vital to survival. Knowing that you can talk about your depression and that those closest to you won’t let it defeat you makes all the difference.
Like a cancerous cell that mutates when it’s about to be wiped out, depression is a disease that wants to survive too.
But often those suffering don’t talk. Why? Because I believe depression is smart. Like a cancerous cell that mutates when it’s about to be wiped out, depression is a disease that wants to survive too. So depression mutates your thoughts to keep you quiet. It plants messages like “you’re pathetic”, “people don’t want to hear your sob story”, “just end it”. It tries its absolute best to stop you getting hold of the support you need to defeat it. Despite often bringing the aforementioned gifts, depression is also the worst enemy you will ever have – it knows all your secrets and shames countless victims into a silent hell.
Yes, we absolutely have to talk more about depression. We have to recognise that depression is an illness. I’m not ‘feeling down’. I’m sick. We need to recognise that depression is smart and will fight for it’s own survival, just like a cancer.
The number of people with depression is growing at a terrifying pace. Doctors keeps prescribing pills and the only people currently winning are the pharmaceutical firms who lap up the profits. I genuinely believe depression is the number one threat to society as we know it.
I’m utterly convinced that a major step forward in tackling this awful disease is normalising it. Starting a national, even global movement that calls out depression and brings it into the light where it has less chances of survival. And everyone has a part to play.
So how can you help?
If you have depression, talk about it. Lift the lid on it. I know that’s a terrifying thought and your depression will convince you that you’ll be isolated, judged or sidelined. Don’t believe it.
If you’re a survivor, share your story. Let others know there is light at the end of that dark, torturous tunnel.
And if you’ve never experienced depression, but someone you know has been brave enough to speak about theirs, simply let them know, “I’ve got your back. It won’t defeat you. I am with you.”
Cover picture – Austin City Skyline, Texas.