Different people can mean different things when they use the dreaded ‘D’ word.
In other words, the everyday use of the word ‘depression’ covers a huge range of feelings and emotions we all experience at one time or another.
On the one hand there is a passing feeling of sadness at some upsetting news. It may be entirely appropriate that we feel ‘depressed’ because of something that has happened in our life to cause us to feel like that. It could be the loss of a loved one, a disappointment or set back, divorce or relationship problems. An Australian study (Gordon Parker, 1979) asked 242 teachers whether they experienced depression, defined as; ‘a significant lowering of mood, with or without feelings of guilt, hopelessness and helplessness, or a drop in one’s self-esteem or self-regard.’ 95% of these teachers reported such feelings and with an average of six such episodes in a single year! But it may not end there. These feelings can develop into dark moods that make us feel like not getting up in the morning and even, if unchecked, to intense feelings of wanting to end life itself.
This video, produced by All Souls Church, illustrates some of the emotions and feelings associated with depression along with how some of the most creative and talented people on the planet have had to personally struggle. Examples include Oprah Winfrey, Agatha Christie, Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Robbie Williams, Woody Allen, Akira Kurosawa, Jim Carrey, William Blake, Marie Osmond and Michelangelo.
J. K. Rowling, the famous author, defines the feelings of depressions well when she says, “Its not sadness. I know sadness. Sadness is to cry and to feel. But its that cold absence of feeling.”
But there is hope! If you have not already done so, you can download my short ebook on self care with depression by subscribing to my blog.
If you are currently suffering with depression or low mood I hope the resources here can help you see that you are not alone.
How did you find this short video?
What questions about depression does it raise for you?
