Fighting inner demons. Churchill's indomitable spirit meets Seneca's stoic wisdom.
Winston ChurchillvsSeneca
I've struggled with depression since college. I'm a successful attorney—partner at my firm, nice house, loving family. From the outside, I have everything. Some weeks I can barely get out of bed. I call in "sick" and lie in the dark. I've tried medication (helps somewhat), therapy (helps somewhat), exercise (helps a little bit). Nothing makes it go away completely. I've accepted that this is just part of who I am—my "black dog," as a friend calls it. But lately I've beeen doing some reading (psych books and pubs): am I managing this illness, or am I using it as an excuse? When I cancel plans or get someone else to appear in Court for me, is that depression or lack of discipline? My father's generation would say "snap out of it." My therapist says "be gentle with yourself." How do I fight my inner demons without hating myself for having them? — Black Dog
"If you're going through hell, keep going—never, never, never give in"
I know the black dog well. He has been my companion for decades. I did not defeat him—I learned to work alongside him. On dark days, I painted, I wrote, I built walls. Action is the antidote to despair. Not because it cures depression, but because it proves you are still fighting.
"We suffer more in imagination than in reality—but some suffering is real and must be endured"
Difficulties strengthen the mind as labor does the body. But this does not mean all difficulties are chosen or deserved. Your depression is not weakness—it is a condition, like any other. The Stoic does not deny pain; he refuses to add unnecessary suffering to necessary pain. Be gentle and fierce in turns.
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