Courage in the fog of depression

Depression will impact the lives of approximately 2.6 million* Australians this year.

Let that sink in for a moment…

With such a high prevalence, it has been described by many as the “common-cold” for mental health.

This comparison is helpful for some, as it normalizes depressive experience. Yet at the same time it doesn’t quite do justice to the depths of anguish that people face.

Feeling “blue”, “down-in-the-dumps” and drained of energy are some typical ways people describe depression (among many others). It can seem like a fog has descended, obscuring the colour and vibrancy that we might normally notice in our lives. This makes navigating depression one of the most difficult things a person can attempt - even more so when depression is coupled with despair, a state of being where our reality is bereft of hope.

In my experience as a counsellor (and reflecting upon my own life), people often wait for their depression to progress into despair before seeking help. While such a delay is unfortunate, as early intervention can greatly reduce suffering, the courageous decision to ask for help is something I always admire my clients for. The time must be right for them, and paradoxically, some of the most remarkable transformations I have had the privilege to witness have been catalyzed by “rock-bottom” times in people’s lives.

Many people grappling with depression have told me that the hardest part of therapy was picking up the phone to schedule their first appointment. More often than not, after their first session, I take great joy in hearing how therapy was not as bad as they thought it would be.

Their first step is complete; many choose to take a few more.

Sharing their burdens.

Listening to what their experience needs to teach them.

Learning to re-author their story.

Hope begins to re-emerge.

And the fog gradually lifts.

Therapy looks different for each person, but the first step is usually the hardest.

It takes great courage to seek help…

*Figure based on statistics sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) 2017-18 National Health Survey (NHS). Quite staggering – around 10% of Australians in a given year (although I believe this is a conservative estimate…). For more information, see https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey-first-results/latest-release