Dealing with Depression: 9 Ways Talking about My Condition Changed My Life

Talking about depression can feel like a daunting task. What if your peers don’t “get it?” What if they brush it off as you feeling down? Or, worse, what if people actively resent you for it?

These feelings are natural, but talking about mental health issues can make healing easier for everyone who feels they “shouldn’t” have a voice. After suffering in silence, Bryce Evans began to find his voice through photography, exploring the long-term impact of depression and the problems it can cause at home, work, and socially.

From simple discussions with friends and a therapist to reconnecting with his mind and body, Bryce shares nine discoveries that changed his life “for the better”.

For many people living with depression, the most difficult step towards healing is the very first one: talking about it.

Now that I’ve seen both sides of the coin, I realise that something that once seemed like an impossible valley to cross was merely a gate I chose to keep closed.

Don’t get me wrong. Learning to open up about depression was difficult, but I’d dramatised it in my mind.

I occasionally reminisce about my mindset in the days before I launched The One Project. (The One Project is an online community where I used photography to explore the issues I was facing with my mental health).

Years of biting my tongue about depression led to a state of uncertainty. I didn’t understand what I was going through. In the end, it was photography that saved my life.

As fear and anxiety filled my mind, I fought to stay silent. I was so afraid of being judged by others. I believed that such a confession would make me an outcast.

For those unfamiliar with depression and the stigma around it, the challenge of needing to speak up might seem insignificant or foreign. This is why I am so vocal about my story and the important moments that improved my life (even if some brought on new challenges).

9 Things that happened when I opened up about depression

Here’s what happened after I started talking about my depression:

1. I felt less “ashamed”

When words are unspoken, they can consume you. The anxiety and worry can wear you down. What if someone finds out? This (thankfully) went away.  A weight was lifted, and feelings of shame were reduced.

2. It sparked conversations that brought me closer to others

Old friends and classmates reached out to share their stories. They understood what I was going through and could relate.

For the first time, I realised I wasn’t alone.

3. My confidence grew tremendously

Not only did I have more strength to handle my recovery, but I could also take action and face fears that used to hold me back.

4. I understood my depression better

Sharing with others allowed me to see outside myself. I gained new perspectives from hearing their stories and learning their outlook.

5. I learned more about how my mind and body work

This allowed me to build better habits and routines while reconnecting with my authentic self. If you hide for a long time, you may get used to it and start to feel disconnected from who you truly are. Talking about depression and working on your mental health can change that.

6. I went to see a therapist

I only needed (and could afford) a few sessions to work through key issues. The professional perspective allowed me to work through these problems much faster than I would have done alone.

7. My tools for managing depression helped me to help others

The more I spoke about depression, the more tools I gained to help others find therapeutic relief through photography. I built a community of sorts – a club that encouraged people to use photography to explore their emotions.

However, I threw myself into this “photography therapy” a little too much, and it began to overtake me. As a result, I had to work hard to find a healthy balance in life.

8. Some people distanced themselves from me

Some friends were uncomfortable with me talking about depression as openly as I was, and they exited my life.

In hindsight, I now see that those weren’t quality friendships anyway. We still have a lot of work to do to end mental health stigma and encourage open, honest conversations on the topic.

9. I’m more proactive in managing my mental health

With years of hard work, I gained control and drastically reduced my depression and anxiety. I’m happy to say I’m moving toward a more proactive state of wellness.

The takeaway

In so many ways, opening up and talking about depression was a pivotal moment for me. And the lessons I learned are things I’ve been able to apply to other areas of my life.

I’m more aware now, and I’m can catch myself when I feel too overwhelmed to take the first step and speak up.

Now I know that fear and helplessness are warning signs for me to take action on my mental health.

The world has hugely evolved since the days of needing to be wary of mammal predators ambushing us. Yet we’re still on high alert, trying to protect ourselves – nowadays, from judgement and ignorance.

In reality, we often amplify these monsters in our minds. It’s much better to see these modern-day dangers as they are: often uncomfortable, but not always life-threatening.

---

© 2023 Life Effects by Teva Pharmaceuticals

The individual(s) who have written and created the content in and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen. 

This site is intended for UK and Ireland residents only.

Date of preparation: September 2023
D: COB-GB-NP-00311 (V1.0) / T: COB-GB-NP-00306 (V1.0) / M: COB-GB-NP-00301 (V1.0)