When depression first claws its way into your consciousness, you frantically research everything you can about the condition in hopes of outsmarting it.
Wow Nick! You truly capture the depth and breath of the experience. You have been through the dark night of the soul. The Buddha said something like, "There is suffering that leads to more suffering and suffering that leads to the end of suffering.' May your suffering lead to a more compassionate heart, a deeper connection to yourself and those around and offer a guiding light to others. Unlimited Blessings.
Nick, that's brave to share.....the underbelly of the psyche is tricky for sure and how the inner voice in all of us can turn dark and negative at times. Faith, gratitude and empathy for others are good weapons to battle the "dementors" ive learned....I'm proud of you and your ability to analyze, reason and intelligently and maturely work your way through it the best you can. Sometimes for me it is like a rainy day versus a sunny day.....depressed or joyful. But knowing even on a dark stormy day knowing the sun is still shining warm and bright above the clouds can give strength and perspective to the wet and cold (depression) you are feeling at the time, and having the faith that with time, the winds of change will let that sun shine directly down upon you again soon.
Thanks for writing and sharing this, Nick. I can relate to aspects of what you described. It's important for all of us to remember that we're not alone. I look forward to the next time we chat!
This is an absolutely stunning piece of writing, Nick. The vulnerability and depth of what you share really struck me, and I was transported back to a period of my life where I too struggled with crippling depression.
Thank you for sharing your story, and for the glimmer of hope it will surely provide to anyone presently struggling through depression in silence.
I'm really glad to hear that your life is looking brighter today than it has in the past.
Hey Nick, so glad I read this. When I first saw it posted I skipped over it as the topic was too real and memorable for me, having been in that long sense-deprived place for 2+ years. Yes,I did have a faint pulse and it ALWAYS was Love. Love somewhere, love in others I knew, but in no way felt. Finally in a belief smaller than a mustard seed ( that dim faint pulse) that God IS Love and that Love IS God. Slowly but surely I only focused on love, loving others and myself. The light of love at the end of the tunnel brought me out of that horrible place. So glad I got to meet you and your family after that emergence. Thanks for your sharing. It is a “club” that those who are in it wish no more members come into. Peace and blessings to you and family.
Incredible! As a recent sufferer from depression, you hit on all notes. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, career, or anything else. It sucks and I felt hopeless. Thanks for sharing Nick. As you know, I always felt a special bond to the Widmer family! Will continue to follow you. Stay well!
Nick thank you for sharing. Your bravery and insight will help many people. Writing can be so cathartic and I’m so glad you opened up and shared your journey. Keep writing, you have a gift.
Great piece. Depression has a way of humbling us. Like you said, it shows us just how muted and difficult life can be. Once we're more out of the thick of it, it is easier to have a newfound appreciation for just feeling good.
I will pushback on the notion of there being not much great writing on depression. It is one of the most widely discussed and written about topics ever. That said, it can be difficult, in the thick of depression, to find writing that resonates and truly helps. That part is really, really hard. If you can't read, the books become worthless.
Wow Nick! You truly capture the depth and breath of the experience. You have been through the dark night of the soul. The Buddha said something like, "There is suffering that leads to more suffering and suffering that leads to the end of suffering.' May your suffering lead to a more compassionate heart, a deeper connection to yourself and those around and offer a guiding light to others. Unlimited Blessings.
I hadn't come across this quote before, and I love it. Thanks for sharing it, Robin.
Nick, that's brave to share.....the underbelly of the psyche is tricky for sure and how the inner voice in all of us can turn dark and negative at times. Faith, gratitude and empathy for others are good weapons to battle the "dementors" ive learned....I'm proud of you and your ability to analyze, reason and intelligently and maturely work your way through it the best you can. Sometimes for me it is like a rainy day versus a sunny day.....depressed or joyful. But knowing even on a dark stormy day knowing the sun is still shining warm and bright above the clouds can give strength and perspective to the wet and cold (depression) you are feeling at the time, and having the faith that with time, the winds of change will let that sun shine directly down upon you again soon.
This is awesome, Nick. Jake would be proud!!
Thanks for writing and sharing this, Nick. I can relate to aspects of what you described. It's important for all of us to remember that we're not alone. I look forward to the next time we chat!
Thank you Nick for your honesty, so simply and poignantly told. This will help a lot of people know they aren’t alone.
Thank you for sharing your words. It’s going to help so many people feel seen and less alone.
Thanks for reading, Lucy.
He’s back!!!!!!!!!!
So eloquent. So brave.
This is an absolutely stunning piece of writing, Nick. The vulnerability and depth of what you share really struck me, and I was transported back to a period of my life where I too struggled with crippling depression.
Thank you for sharing your story, and for the glimmer of hope it will surely provide to anyone presently struggling through depression in silence.
I'm really glad to hear that your life is looking brighter today than it has in the past.
Very much appreciated, Adam. Thank you for reading and for the thoughtful comment. Glad to hear life is brighter for you these days as well.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tylermgordon/p/saved-but-still-struggling-faith?r=5h8ez5&utm_medium=ios
Hey Nick, so glad I read this. When I first saw it posted I skipped over it as the topic was too real and memorable for me, having been in that long sense-deprived place for 2+ years. Yes,I did have a faint pulse and it ALWAYS was Love. Love somewhere, love in others I knew, but in no way felt. Finally in a belief smaller than a mustard seed ( that dim faint pulse) that God IS Love and that Love IS God. Slowly but surely I only focused on love, loving others and myself. The light of love at the end of the tunnel brought me out of that horrible place. So glad I got to meet you and your family after that emergence. Thanks for your sharing. It is a “club” that those who are in it wish no more members come into. Peace and blessings to you and family.
- richy
Beautiful, Richy. Thank you for reading (and for sharing this with us).
Magnificently written. Thank you for sharing your story, Nick. The internet is a more beautiful and honest place with your words in it.
Means a lot, Alice. Thanks for reading.
brilliant
Incredible! As a recent sufferer from depression, you hit on all notes. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, career, or anything else. It sucks and I felt hopeless. Thanks for sharing Nick. As you know, I always felt a special bond to the Widmer family! Will continue to follow you. Stay well!
Nick thank you for sharing. Your bravery and insight will help many people. Writing can be so cathartic and I’m so glad you opened up and shared your journey. Keep writing, you have a gift.
Great piece. Depression has a way of humbling us. Like you said, it shows us just how muted and difficult life can be. Once we're more out of the thick of it, it is easier to have a newfound appreciation for just feeling good.
I will pushback on the notion of there being not much great writing on depression. It is one of the most widely discussed and written about topics ever. That said, it can be difficult, in the thick of depression, to find writing that resonates and truly helps. That part is really, really hard. If you can't read, the books become worthless.
I'm glad you're feeling better. :)
Thanks for reading, Chris.