A thank you (and some thoughts on how to climb out of a hole)

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has got in touch about this blog I wrote about depression and writing. It is amazing, when you write about this stuff, that so many people respond. I suppose though, that this is an issue that affects everyone in some way.

It is frustrating that there is still stigma about mental illness, because stigma itself can actually exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. When you are depressed you feel alone, and that no-one is going through quite what you are going through. You are so scared of appearing in any way mad you internalise everything and you are so scared that people will alienate you further you clam up, and don't speak about it, which is a shame, as speaking about it helps. Words - spoken or written - are what connect us to the world, and so speaking about it to people, and writing about this stuff, helps connect us to each other, and to our true selves.

I know, I know, we are humans. We are a clandestine species. Unlike other animals we wear clothes and do our procreating behind closed doors. And we are ashamed of illness. Once 'cancer' was seen as a shameful thing. We've grown out of that, and we'll grow out of this too, and the way we'll do it is be speaking about it.

Anyway, for those who are in a trough, right now, remember most of that negativity in your mind is a symptom, it is not a reflection of reality. Read. Write. Share what you feel with a good listener. Get bored of the fear. It is there, but just imagine it isn't. One day, the pretence will become the truth. That pressure in your head is not going to stay, just as a panic attack won't kill you, no matter what your palpitating heart is trying to say. It wants you to believe everything will just keep on getting worse, but it won't. The bottom of the valley never provides the clearest view. Also remember, the oldest clichés remains the truest. Time heals. The tunnel has light at the end of it. And there's a two-for-one offer on clouds and silver linings. Now go, read a book. Write a poem. Talk. Words can set you free.