Darren’s Reviews > The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression > Status Update

Such a great book. Andrew's story was painful and helped me understand the details of what it's like for those of us who suffer from depression. Hope you find it useful and illuminating.

Jason wrote: "Such a great book. Andrew's story was painful and helped me understand the details of what it's like for those of us who suffer from depression. Hope you find it useful and illuminating."

It is, very. Painfully so.
One thing that remains a taboo, obviously, always, is directly discussing suicide/suicidal thoughts. I am so happy he openly discusses this. It is a relief.
Also this quote is important to me:
"Depression is not just a lot of pain; but too much pain can compost itself into depression. Grief is depression in proportion to circumstance; depression is grief out of proportion to circumstance. It is tumbleweed distress that thrives on thin air, growing despite its detachment from the nourishing earth. It can be described only in metaphor and allegory.".

You're right, thoughts of suicide isn't something that many people are comfortable talking about. It's very hard to ask for help, partly because of shame and also the stigma that's attached to this disease.

I remember that quote you shared, it was a good one. Here's one I remember, with regard to the risk and danger of suicide:

“Psychologically, I will not have to seek far if I decide to kill myself, because in my mind and heart I am more ready for this than for the unplanned daily tribulations that mark off the mornings and afternoons.”

I hadn't read that one yet. But yes, indeed, I completely agree with him.
And with you by the way.

It's not even always when you need help the most that it is impossible to talk about. It is ALWAYS difficult. Not just for the people who you want to talk to, but also because of total isolation, your own feelings of shame.... and GUILT.

Absolutely. Isolation, for me, is the worst when i get into a depressive state. I just want to crawl under my covers and do nothing. I've learned to cope with activities and psychotherapy, but i know i have to always be vigilant.

It's nice to talk about this topic with someone who understands what its like. (((Hugs)))

Jason wrote: "Absolutely. Isolation, for me, is the worst when i get into a depressive state. I just want to crawl under my covers and do nothing. I've learned to cope with activities and psychotherapy, but i kn..."

For me that is exactly the same. Sometimes I spend a short time in a mental facility until they feel it's safe to let me go again.

This is quite a public discussion. Not that I mind, I think it should be discussed publicly, we aren't the only ones out there! ((( Hugs back!)))