health

You don't "have" depression. You survive it.

You remember the band Savage Garden. The boys who brought us hits like “I knew I loved you before I met you” and “Animal Song”. They were great in the ’90s.

The other day, Savage Garden singer Darren tweeted this:

This TED talk on depression is stunningly accurate to anyone who has suffered http://t.co/jw1AgJwBn2

— Darren Hayes (@darrenhayes) January 20, 2014

I clicked so fast on the link I nearly fell of my sofa.

It took me to a video starring a man called Andrew Solomon. And it’s the most powerful explanation of depression I’ve ever seen. You need to see it.

Watching it made me cry, laugh, and fist-pump the air.

I sent the link immediately to my mum, dad, sister and boyfriend with the message: “Watch this is you want to understand what I’ve lived through.”

If you or anyone you know has survived depression – or more tragically, not – please do the same. In half an hour, Andrew Solomon covers everything I’ve ever wanted anyone to know about depression.

I am so grateful to him for articulating what so many millions of people go through every day, that I honestly would like to find and thank/high-five him.

It’s videos like this that bring us closer to making mental illness, effective treatment, and broader compassion a priority.

Please, watch it and share.

[ted id=1894]

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner or in Australia, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 for support, beyondblue 1300 22 4636 or SANE Australia for information.

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Top Comments

Madelaine 10 years ago

We all know for a fact that the world is not all about beauty and sunshine, because there is also sadness and rain. So by having the times you feel you're so full of energy, there is also a possibility that you may encounter negative feelings particularly with stress. And that is a word that we often meet even you're not just at your workplace. Once it gets worse, it may result to depression and being able not to control may cause you to regret things. Let us not forget that no matter how dark a moment is, there would be also a light that will shine through you; just as how the night have stars. Let's fight the down-moments and depression. But rather set our eyes above the light and happiness. Be brave to stand up and smile even facing such difficult challenge of life.


arrgh 10 years ago

Is that a poem that he opens with? Does anyone know?

Vee 10 years ago

It's a poem called "I felt a funeral in my brain" by Emily Dickinson