Facing depression
More than 8% of Americans suffer from a major depressive disorder. Twenty-one million or so other Americans who have suffered at least one major depressive episode in their lives. Celebrities that we admire have sought treatment for depression: Bruce Springsteen, Kristin Bell, Jim Carrey, and Michael Phelps. A number of politicians, including Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), have spoken openly about their battles with depression.
Some of our greatest historical leaders suffered from depression: Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ulysses S. Grant, and Martin Luther King, Jr., for example. Depression also impacted the lives of some of the most accomplished figures in their fields: Sir Isaac Newton, Beethoven, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Mike Wallace,among others.
In short, depression affects extraordinary as well as ordinary people from all walks of life and all social, economic and ethnic groups.Anyone who suffers from depression is painfully aware of howcrippling it can be—and how difficult it is to reveal the condition or make the decision to seek help. While we’ve come a long way since 1972, when Tom Eagleton was dropped as vice presidential nominee because of his history of depression, we haven’t come nearly far enough. Depression is still seen as a sign of weaknessthat affects judgment and decision-making — and therefore a candidate’sfitness for office.
The senator can function successfully as a pragmatic, empatheticand thoughtful senator and his struggle to overcome adversity gives him added perspective thatwill help him to better understand and represent all Pennsylvanians, many of whom deal with challenging obstacles every day.
It’s past time that we show grace and empathy toward Senator Fetterman, and the Mental health experts hope that Fetterman’s candor will serve as a powerful symbol, especially for men, who are less likely to seek treatment.
For those of us, present company included, who have had our own battles with major depressive disorder, let’s also try and show some empathy for ourselves. We didn’t choose this disease, it’s not our fault, and with self-care, professional treatment, and a little help from our family and friends, we can live with this thing of ours and lead rewarding andproductive lives.
DEAN R. PHILLIPS
Ambler