Managing Depression

“Truth or reality is avoided when it is painful. We can revise our maps only when we have the discipline to overcome the pain…Mental health is an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.” The Road Less Travelled, Scott M Peck.

One of my favourite books that I found me many years ago at a time in need. I was facing a crisis and a war within and trying to make sense of my world, my life and myself. It found me when I needed it.

I felt the importance and urgency to confront my reality, even when what was presented was painful. At that time, I felt disconnected to my reality and I was avoiding all truths, harsh or not whilst I was managing a difficult time in my life. Depression had arrived in my life at 10 years old and whilst it was never every day, it was there and could last for days, weeks, months and then just as quickly, it could lift and I would continue to march to the same rhythm in life.

This time all those years ago, felt different to the others, like I really did need to heal and to grow. In terms of my depression management, from this message in the book, I came to understand the following for me:

-        Facing my painful truths; when in depression, it’s natural and common to avoid acknowledging our realities, they may feel just overwhelming. However, by slowly, with support, guidance and self-love, we can begin to face these truths. We need to acknowledge the negative thoughts, feelings or behaviours that contribute to depression.

-        Revising my map; our mental ‘maps’ are our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. When dealing with depression, these maps can become distorted. Revising them requires a willingness to reassess beliefs and thought patterns. It can involve various techniques to challenge negative thinking or seeking support from therapists to reframe experiences.

-        Discipline and commitment to reality; mental health requires commitment to confronting reality, even when it is uncomfortable. For someone managing depression, this might involve regularly engaging in self-care practices, seeking therapy, taking medication, or building resilience despite emotional discomfort. It's not about ignoring pain but about building the discipline to face and work through it.

-        Ongoing process; managing depression isn’t a one-time fix, it is an ongoing process. Similar to the idea of continually refining our mental maps, maintaining mental health requires continuous effort, self-reflection, and adaptation, especially in the face of challenges.

It is important to practice our techniques even when depression is not present. If we can practice when things are going ‘smoothly’, we are more likely to be able manage depression when it comes along as we have made our practice part of our regular habits. Depression may actually feel manageable when it comes along, we have the skills, the tools and techniques ready at our disposal.