Depression Isn’t a Picture, People who suffer with depression (or any other mental illness), are not necessarily in despair, and most are walking, talking, fully functioning members of society.

I’m fed up with the way the media portray depression when writing about it. Even sources I trust and respect show the stereotypical ‘head in hands’ shot when illustrating articles about mental illness, and some charities that should know better do the same on their websites.

A recent and mental illness did just this. Ironically, the same newspaper champions wider understanding of mental health issues, apparently, this information hasn’t reached the picture editor’s desk.

People who suffer with depression (or any other mental illness), are not necessarily in despair, and most are walking, talking, fully functioning members of society.

Between 10 and 20% of the people you know are struggling with psychological or emotional difficulties that can be classified as ‘mental illness’. In most cases you don’t know about it because they choose to keep it to themselves.

(Image courtesy of Freepik.com)

I’m a psychologist, coach, and therapist. All my work is aimed at enabling people to improve personal aspects of their lives and work.

"Train your mind to look for your successes. They are happening all the time, you just have to look for them."
"We only develop greater resilience when we are deeply emotionally connected to other people."
"If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right".
"Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should, nor that you have to".
"Simplify your life and work to be content. That will create the space for you to notice the joy. It's always there if you look."
“Personal Change Begins In The Imagination. You Have To Imagine It Before You Can Become It, Whatever ‘It’ Is”

2 Comments

Sue Marsh June 6, 2015 at 10:16 pmLog in to Reply

Wow Barry, you hit it on the nail. After opening up about my years of depression I was amazed at how many of my friends, colleagues, and just acquaintance’s opened up about “their” depression. Some had much worse experiences than I have had and I have been humbled that all it took was a few words out of my mouth to get them to open up, some for the first time ever. Most depressed people look and act “normal”, and we never know what is going on behind the scenes. The most rewarding thing about being open…we all feel much better!
bwinbolt June 7, 2015 at 6:51 amLog in to Reply

Thanks Sue, an affirming comment. I think that normalising depression as a part of life can only be helpful. The more people are confident about doing it, the more role models there are for others who might be feeling alone or ‘outside’.