A week or two back, a friend posted this graphic on Facebook. It struck a chord. I saved it. It resonated. I have been mulling over it since.
I thought I would share it, decided against it, left it, came back to it, and am now sharing. In so doing, I want to say I am (now) back to where I was a few months ago. I am in control and moving forward. The hesitation in posting was concern about it being seen as ‘a cry for help’ or a ‘sympathy expedition’. No, it’s just me sharing something that resonated and that I believe others could benefit from understanding, as I don’t think many do.
I have been fairly open about my chronic depression and acute anxiety resulting from a psychological injury inflicted at work a few years ago. The illness is managed through medication, psychology, exercise, and diet. Earlier this year, my physicians and I agreed to change my medicines regime, and let’s just say, that didn’t go well. Impacts ranged from the trivial to consequential. May, June, and July were rubbish, until the problem was realised. As it turned out, I was suffering from anti-depressant withdrawal syndrome which the change in my regime (dosages and mix). But here’s the thing, I didn’t know I was. I was on a runaway train and couldn’t get off. Anyway, in consultation with my physicians, I went back on my old medicines regime, and within a day or two, my mind returned to normal. Looking back, I am truly shocked at what my head was going through in those three months.
I have an illness I am dealing with. I have other friends with serious conditions at present too. Some talk about their ills, some don’t, and that’s fine. My illness is largely invisible to others, and at times, me. And that’s hard for both parties.
Many friends and others offer the hand of friendship or an ear at times. Some are mildly offended when you don’t take that up. Talking about it is not the issue. Indeed, I am sick of bloody talking about it. I talk to my doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist and others involved in my treatment about it. Engaging with others is a welcome opportunity to not talk about “it”.
And that’s why this graphic quoting that pompous, boring, overrated Pommy windbag, Stephen Fry, is good. It’s not a straightforward problem-solution scenario. Like everything, it’s a process.
Mr Fry says it’s just like the weather. I get that analogy – hot, cold, dry, stormy, changing, four seasons in a day, full on, unpredictable, annoying, lovely, calm, mild, disappointing, inspiring, damaging, life giving. Yep, I get it. Be prepared.
17 August 2026