Depression, the secret we share | Andrew Solomon | TEDxMet

[@maalavikacs9507]

He explained depression in the most accurate way. "Why would I be depressed when my life is going all good?" "Others are going through so much more and handling it pretty well, but why can't I?" These self-doubts and voices in our own head that trivialise our feelings are the worst problems of depression, I feel

[@LadyWarmachine]

I come and watch this one from time to time. When he said depression is not the lack of joy but the lack of vitality, that hit me like a truck. No other statement perfectly sums up depression.

[@klanderkal]

I agree... im searching up ways to overcome, alao... those that can say, what I'm experiencing It's just too much!!

[@manuel_cojocaru]

This is the best talk on depression.

[@ilanapoznanski8638]

I've been trying to explain why I am always in bed to my parents for 3 years. I showed them this video and for the first time ever, nobody needed to talk. My dad cried and my mom thanked me, and then I went back to bed.

[@gabrielromeroguerrero9354]

Have u got out of bed?

[@ilanapoznanski8638]

@@gabrielromeroguerrero9354 thanks for asking! I have recently managed to find a medication that works and soon I will even be able to move out for college!

[@heapsmadgirl]

@@ilanapoznanski8638 that is wonderful! Sounds like you are making strides. Self-advocacy in mental health is so important. I am very happy for you, and I wish you the best in your college adventure :)

[@josiahnm6216]

@@ilanapoznanski8638 hope all is well with you! What medication are you on?

[@KakiztoX]

@@ilanapoznanski8638 I'm so happy to read that you are moving out for college!

[@joybarker7906]

Each time I watch this I find myself wanting to stand up, alone in my room, to give this man a standing ovation. His brilliant mind, combined with such heartfelt experiences, makes this my favourite presentation of what living with clinical depression is truly like. I consider myself honoured to have found it, and will no doubt replay it many more times to come. ♡

[@jiwon5315]

I’m pretty sure this is the fifth time i’m watching this but it’s honestly one of the best talks about depression.

[@elizabethharvester6111]

Me too, I have watched this multiple times! He's such a mesmerizing speaker

[@norarey3655]

Excellent !! Thank you for sharing ❤🙏

[@lmoa69]

Every time I get in this way, I come back and listen to Andrew's talk. The last time, I was in a terrible job, overly stressed, falling apart, and seeing no hope. I decided to hold on and fight. Things went up and things went down, and then things fell off a cliff. I decided to go back to school and change my circumstances. Perhaps changing the job and improving my financial situation would help. I put all my effort toward achieving that goal. I graduated and changed my circumstances. I found a great job with a great boss and work that I enjoy. I started my master's program. A few negative emotional events and a semester of classes in which I have little interest has brought me back, despite things going so well. At least from the outside. I don't know what the future holds, but I will try to hold on again. I'm thankful that Andrew gave this talk because it helps me think about things in a way that nothing else really can.

[@SaavyAstro]

Andrew is my cousin and he is a great guy to talk to in person and his husband is really nice.

[@leiahsky4052]

I cannot express how important I feel this talk is, and more of the world needs to see it.

[@laurawang7156]

I never thought one could love depression like the way he mentioned. Only those who have suffered through it understands the pain and agony that depression brings.

[@ksjxhxbs3926]

i didn’t like the end of talk. I can’t imagine people who love depression

[@dannamadura2035]

Watch Melancholia by Lars von Trier. It makes depression so beautiful.

[@CherieDeDieu]

As a person struggling with depression, it is very refreshing to hear someone explain exactly how it feels. It is indeed a secret we share. Thankfully, exercise (especially weightlifting) and mindfulness are my "friends" and healers at the moment.

[@woahthere7895]

I personally found that picking up an instrument a great “keep going for a little longer”

[@bargil9808]

OMG This man is amazing. This is the first time I've heard someone REALLY describe living with depression in a truly honest understandable all encompassing way. I've struggled to explain to family and friends what it's like at it's worst. Andrew nails it!

[@Martina-zn9po]

This is the best talk about depression I’ve ever heard and it honestly helped me understand myself so much more

[@jasminejones9058]

What a beautiful soul so refreshing to hear people like this great man

[@Jess-zm5xt]

I’m so so SO glad I watched this. I’ve had some of the thoughts such as “life is pointless because we’re all going to die” as well as “we’re all just trapped in our bodies” thinking I was having some sort of spiritual epiphany while others lived blissfully unaware. I forgot that just as much as anxiety can lie to us, so can depression. I’ve been so scared but to hear people who’ve had verbatim what’s been inside my head makes me want to cry in relief and sadness. Our greatest gift in this world is each another and I wish so badly we lived in a better society that cared more about helping each other through connection and proper care rather than individual gain and material fulfillment with money. I feel we’re disconnected from everything, our food, our planet and one another. This could very well be me having depressed delusions but I feel trapped by these thoughts and have no where else to put them.

[@carolabinski5173]

I hear you.

[@tarang2458]

“But the truth lies.” - what a beautiful sentence.

[@sarawawa8984]

I regularly come back to this video (usually when I find myself begin to slip back into depression) and it is probably the best talk on depression I’ve found, putting words to things I struggle to speak about

[@sabrinetbini8391]

This talk is really important, he touched me with every word. As I suffer from depression myself I feel every word, but what can a person do when they have no support system who understands..

[@counselor_cassy]

It's incumbent upon us to find those supports and build these relationships while we are feeling well so that we have them in place for when we are feeling poorly.

[@normageisbert3947]

,

[@juliapilgrim6074]

Sabrine, I don't know but showing this video to any of the people who don't understand but are around you might help. If only one understand even part of what he days it could be enough to start a change. Two years now since you left your comment so I hope you see this and any other replies and that something or many things come to help you.

[@sabrinetbini8391]

@@juliapilgrim6074 It's true julia, thank u for ur kind words. When I wrote that comment I was in a dark place, but now with help I am better. But about support it was my situation at least, it's hard to pull yourself together when everyone around u tells u it's nothing, u are delusional and making things up. It might sound unbelievable to u but I found more compassion with strangers than family. So yea! As cassy said it is incumbent upon us! But it can take a while. Believe me two years ago I was a different person. I thank u again for ur kind words.

[@chelyhappy7991]

Most people don't understand unless you are going through it yourself or have suffered it before. I have been off and on but it was much worse after COVID-19 hit. Being isolated got me to a dark place. People just think you are lazy or making up things. During this time period I realized I was having an anxiety attack. I thought I was going to die and no one cared. I am so glad you are feeling and doing well now. God Bless you and your support group.

[@Elizabeth-jm2pk]

you have no idea how hard this is to explain to others, thank you for your kindness in this dark world.

[@feefingirl]

Andrew always helps me feel better when I'm having my darkest days.

[@Nowhy]

feefingirl yeah, he is hilarious :) let's all be happy for him!

[@JR-hr8pk]

"Each of us is trapped in our own bodies". That is such a strange concept to contemplate. Even after seeing this talk 10's of times over the last few years it is still soothing and informative to know someone else gets it. "Like the stations of the cross" when making a sandwich. So true!

[@Kernowcornwall]

This is best TED about depression. So much in here to think about, you need to listen carefully at least twice.

[@kenwahchez2479]

My daughter is suffering from depression and is a teen girl. Listening to this made me cry. I know the journey ahead won't be easy, and it's hard to be a parent and watch your child in pain and despair. This is a video I want her to watch so that she knows she's not alone and to destigmatize depression. I want her to have the tools to understand this disease and to be compassionate to herself. It is with gratitude for this video and enlightening us all to the pain and resilience you have exhibited. Thank you!

[@sarbjeetkhosaUcan]

I just want to say your daughter is not alone. If u need any help, I am here to help because I was in depression and now I am out and live my purpose to help people because everyone deserves life

[@joybarker7906]

​@sarbjeetkhosaUcan How kind of you to offer to reach out ! Sending prayers that you continue to be blessed, and to bless others with the knowledge you've acquired on your journey! Always remember " You are braver than you believe, smarter than you seem, stronger than you think, and loved more than you know" ♡ - Winnie the Pooh

[@Tassadar4Ever]

This guy perfectly describes and captures the horror of depression. Excellent talk.

[@Silver-Sliver]

This is...such an excellent expression of what depression is. This gentleman is eloquent.

[@KeiaraEats]

As I watch this in my room, hiding away from the kids, depressed, with the covers over my head...

[@abagailjasper461]

I pray you get through this!! I’m so proud of you for being this far mama💗

[@Silver-Sliver]

Watch this again when you feel overwhelmed. You are not alone, you are human, and your children love you. Best wishes to you.

[@jakeyflakes00]

I hope it got better for you, and if not, know that it can. I’m here for you even if just in this comment thread.

[@ShaniceN]

This man clearly and simply described the experience of depression and he's amazing. 9 years later!

[@anro1924]

A “MUST listen to” for anyone wanting to better understand depression. Thank you for sharing! I love the part about (Americans) taking people into dark dingy rooms alone to talk about all of the bad things that have happened to them. SO true!

[@paulraymond890]

Hi Ann How are you today?🌺🌺

[@melindavandenberg-fh3kw]

".....and then an angel appeared...! " Thank you Heavenly Father, thank you Andrew!

[@sinxso]

What a wonderful talk! Thank you! After loosing my mom and three cousins to COVID-19 in 2020, and three months ago my beloved sister that was like my other mother, I’m in the process of learning the difference between grief, sadness and depression. This has helped me a lot!

[@gailnewcomb8256]

Oh! wow! ❤ I lost my husband a few months ago. My best friend, my confidant, the love of my life. A gift that God had given for too short of a time, in my humble opinion. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I can’t imagine how I would get through something so devastating, when this one loss of mine is almost unbearable. ❤

[@elizabethharvester6111]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Mom and Sister. I wish you continued comfort and healing

[@daphnieD]

Thank you, Mr. Andrew Solomon! I usually do not comment on KZbin videos. But your talk about depression is the best I have come upon so far: insightful, compelling, with a dash of humor to lighten the talk. Very much needed at a time like this. Thanks again!

[@elizabethharvester6111]

I LOVE this speaker! He's speaks like a poet. His words and stories ring with truth. So glad I got to find this video and listen to him!

[@theyetti90]

This is one of the most moving stories I've ever heard. If you ever read this, thank you so much.❤

[@zackk695]

It has finally hit me at 50 and I am glad to hear someone that understands.I WILL get healthy.I would do anything to meet this great man.Maybe one day

[@leiahsky4052]

Write him a letter. He mentioned many times that he appreciates receiving them.

[@jasminejones9058]

You don't have to meet him you already got it ! Move forward and Listen to Eckharte Tolle and all the great ones Also listen to great MUSIC and great stand up comedians ( EG the late great George Carlin and the late great Bill Hicks would be a good starting point ) Trust me you will feel inspired IF you're still on the planet HOPEFULLY you are ...PEACE

[@skontheroad2666]

@@jasminejones9058 Luckily, you don't understand depression.

[@skontheroad2666]

Do you feel better? It is hard now with Covid...

[@JocelynAliceVideo]

@@skontheroad2666 I'm just seeing this talk now. Just wanted to check in you and send you some loving energy. What an incredibly poignant comment. Are you a writer? Sounds like it. Love u.

[@Heuristiks]

I cried through this whole video

[@misteryA555]

24:13 is so important. I can’t stop thinking about it

[@shaistacramer7702]

That is a tough pill to swallow

[@sipos0]

The idea of valuing depression is hard to come to terms with. It is so awful and so intolerable that it is hard to imagine anything being worth it - anything.

[@taranpreetkaur8303]

To anyone who has been watching these talks to feel supported :), I would recommend you some other raw and beautifully articulated talks on depression. They are:- 1. By Sam Moukaddem 2. Gill Hayes 3. John Nieuwenburg Helped me alot :)

[@lorriesardinia5302]

Thank you!

[@lorriesardinia5302]

I just watched, Gill Hayes video. Thanks again for taking the time to post the others. xoxo

[@janelwilliams9144]

I will, thanks!!

[@robynblackwell8035]

Thank you

[@elizabethharvester6111]

Thanks for posting these speakers' names. I searched for TED talks by them. Sadly, Gill Hayes passed away from successful suicide. All very powerful presentations

[@oesterle6]

Worth every minute!! Can't believe there are only 73K views. He has another TEDx talk I can recall hearing in the past, if you want more of his wonderful story telling. I agree best talk on explaining what it is like to have depression to someone who is trying to understand it from a "normal" person's perspective. Can't wait to listen to it again and share it.

[@TheBelzebubba]

Thank you for sharing. Very well spoken. I can relate to most of it. I agree today’s treatments are still in the dark ages and it is a tragedy. My concern when it comes to society as a whole is a lack of empathy, without it educating people about mental illness falls on def ears. But all we can do is try and you have certainly done that. May joy find its way to you.

[@JennySieck]

Metaphysical people or so called spiritual people are the worst. They force people to feel things they don't.

[@gtavtheavengergunnerlegend3340]

This is shockingly accurate.

[@RashmiSharma-oh9vp]

what a beautiful speech.

[@XVCeruleanSin]

So damn spot on! Thank you for sharing your perspective on a common enemy we suffer.

[@muhammedjaffer7114]

One of the best speeches on mental health

[@ainawaheedamohamadcrchkl1658]

hi...i am a survivor of Depression...your talk is awesome...and spot-on...thanks for sharing your amazing journey

[@markfoster1520]

He is & my problem with meds is they change you.... I felt I couldn't take them & keep my creativity!

[@Wen00.4]

Very intelligent man, what a speach!

[@strangetribe]

Andrew Solomon is truly a master in every way. I love this video so dearly

[@odrieortega2658]

11:22 is me everytime. no hope. no future. just an ending.

[@klanderkal]

Wow,..... you said it perfectly. I'm feeling that way also... I want this over!!! But, 7:49 it was a catastrophic loss. It can't be resolved., . I called 988, and other lines. I keep trying to hang on.... It's been 7 months now..!

[@TonGolem]

Great talk!! Just want to add: He describes very severe cases (incl. his own). Don't be scared. It doesn't have to be that extreme. But do go and get help as early as possible so it doesn't get this severe.

[@AditiTirpude]

This talk is actually magnificent. "I was depressed a long time ago and I never want to think about it again and I'm not going to look at it and I'm just going to get on with my life" that's what I told myself at the start of this year after spending a lot of time inside myself looking for what is happening inside me and what I should do.. and when I realized I've already spent a lot of time on it and I just want to go on with life from this year, I decided to shake it off.. "shutting out strengthens it. While you hide from it, it grows." And half a year through I realize it came all way around indirectly, in a way of losing interests and all that he explained at the start.. I'm experiencing it to some extent but I also have a strong will to do things and so it's not affecting my daily activities much right now but I'm experiencing a lot more anxiety and doubts at this point which is making it difficult for me to love myself again.. Currently the only things that can make my heart race like before is Badminton or like Physical exercises, also studies because that's all I've been doing for past few years haha. They make my mind function and make me feel alive somehow. But I have hopes.. hopes that I can get through things with depression hand in hand and even if it'll fade away or maybe not, I think I'll cherish it because nonetheless it's a part of me too. I wish y'all love and all the strength to get through whatever you're going through.

[@klanderkal]

7:43 this.. is me. Not mentioned to often. I had multiple traumatic events that altered my life forever. I haven't recovered., no matter what the psychologist says. It's been 7 months.. of stress, insomnia, anxiety and severe depression. I don't do anything anymore.

[@laurenmooney1520]

Priceless! Thank you sir, you know exactly what this will do for me.

[@KrisTenK10]

❤❤️❤❤️❤❤️❤ "the fact you never heard of it means that it's - news ... and you are a news magazine"

[@renehenriksen1735]

The problem with todays society is that it´s hard to connect, getting a feeling of truly belonging and creating an identity. Society simply has become too corrupt, complex and irrelevant to the individual.

[@JennySieck]

Yes this. And it causes addiction as well.

[@justinhoskins5740]

Andrew gives the best descriptions of what I’ve suffered from since my childhood. I’m so thankful for his talks and his writing.

[@zipiwolsner4985]

The way Andrew talks reminds me somewhat of the way Churchil did...What a great talk of a man with depth and sensitivity.

[@yt_user091]

Thanks for the term 'vitality', it clears a lot of things.

[@rubyslippers6716]

I rarely hear such an accurate description

[@debblackmore7460]

Mental health stinks speak out dont suffer in silence nothing to be ashamed off its mental health I have bipolar manic depression I also have hypoxia brain injury I died 26minutes spent weeks months in coma rehab hospital learning talk walk again been a recovery massive discovery never ever give up on yourself many will never yourselves keep going doing amazing things stay strong stay positive stay safe everyone takecare becareful out there dont let guards down sending luck hugs prayers most of all love from headway Nottingham UK you got this you got it great speech well done x

[@thomasegbah4328]

Thank you very much for this video. I am currently suffering from Major Depression

[@jessaa.rivera2664]

This would be my favorite talk period

[@sandrabates6919]

You are a genius Andrew Solomon, just love this Tedx Talks, one of my top 10 for sure!!! The poem is amazing, I recall the Emily Dickinson piece, she also, a genius.

[@martinlaceyphoto]

Superb presentation. Andrew’s eloquence is outstanding.

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

"The treatments we have for Depression are appalling they're not very effective they're extremely costly they come with innumerable side effects. they're a disaster but I am so grateful that I live now and not 50 years ago but it would have been almost nothing to be done I hope that 50 years hence people will hear that my treatments and be appalled that anyone endured such primitive science. "Andrew Soloman Really quite beautiful and elegant I could listen to the talk all day long

[@hassenmh2850]

Finally the talk I've been longing to hear, thank you

[@namaste8374]

Amazing presentation of the suffering and experience many of us live with each year. This gave me knowledge and hope. Thank you.

[@markmattingly2929]

NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH! ESPECIALLY YOU OWN!!

[@Anna-ww8fe]

Thank you very much for such a profound, open and honest talk! Talking about making small things from yarn or knitting; is what's helping me a lot right now

[@joybarker7906]

Brillianty said and presented, I'm so grateful for having watched this video, maybe someday there will be a brighter light at the end of the very dark tunnel depression traps us in.

[@leannegreen7830]

What a wonderful speech. I’m very happy and proud of this man - that he has worked his way thru depression and gets up in front of large audiences and speaks honestly about his experience and what he’s learnt. Public speaking isn’t easy. Bravo

[@theusersam]

Love this guy! Reminds me a little of Sheldon Cooper :)

[@danielcaplan2641]

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO THINKS THIS TOO

[@777sweett777]

THAT'S IT!!! Sheldon!! LOL!!! spot on!! 👍🏾

[@leslierodriguez9914]

Exactly what I was thinking lol

[@AriCohenMusic]

i was thinking the same thing!!!!

[@selinawoldebruk39]

i felt every word and im going through it all rn

[@Gainerone]

You are one hot depressee!

[@fit_spoonie6760]

@selina, I hope you are feeling better. Xx

[@yeshalloween]

@@Gainerone you are a tool

[@hilarykoppen2776]

❤

[@tarang2458]

How poetic this entire talk was- quite beautiful 💗

[@hoanglan6130]

Always come back to this video when I relapse into depression again. It always helps

[@PatrickSane]

Excellent honesty. This is a clinic in experience and understanding

[@blessedlonewolf5518]

Thank you so much Andrew for this perfect description of what your depression looks and feels like. It is a unique experience, yet you captured much of the thoughts through your own experiences and those for whom you interviewed. Thank you from my soul!

[@drago-k4q]

This video came out when I was 9~ 10. I remember my childhood being full of anxiety and nervousness. Today I am 20. Two years ago I started feeling that something was extremely wrong inside me. I tried everything. Long story short, I was recently diagnosed with depression, irrational thoughts, constant sadness, aggressiveness, inward guilt, and shame. But I was also very determined. I pushed myself to go out and accept that I have a problem. I'm on antidepressants, and it's my second day. My goal is to use this time to reframe my cognitive thought patterns and live more in the present, feeling the present moment more fully. I have decided to get out of bed, go to college, and pursue education

[@TinaSotis]

Andrew Solomon is the best.

[@charlieseverson3534]

I'd have to do all these things but it "felt like the stations of the cross." Yes. Perfect description.

[@Ravenoflight2275]

I am glad My primary doctor listened to me and prescribed me a prescription that helps my years of depression. I really hope professional understand depression is like being stuck in dark pit being punished for nothing. There is help and I appreciate it.

[@georgeelliott207]

Wonderful talk, lovely guy. Read his book many years ago although I wasnt depressed, I wanted to learn more...

[@josebarberena9564]

So much of it is something that just about everyone can identify. I sometimes have the same existential questions in which you see no meaning to any of the feelings that move within us when death is the only outcome. And not knowing what is or is not after ones death. And the mortality of your loved ones. I can see how some people plunge deep into those overwhelming feelings of doom. I'm sorry for the people that their sorrows just plummet into dark dark places.

[@hot_salsa_dipping_sauce]

I've been watching vids about depression and self harm bc I want to help out a friend, but instead I just realized how many of those things also apply to me... The food part was so on point. When I'm hungry and I start thinking about all the steps that are requred just for me to make some food and eat it I get kinda overwhelmed and it takes me a good half an hr to motivate myself to do it.

[@Leopard_Lover]

200th time watching this. Thank you Mr Andrew S ❤❤️‍🩹

[@sayantanmukherjee8074]

Life, too bleak to live but too unresolved to die.

[@jmacmillan4558]

An excellent description of the 4 categories of depression. Thank you.

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

I hope this great GentleMan is doing well God bless Him.I know about the term Dead but Still living..

[@oliveharrinanan102]

two weeks ago I told my therapist and asked her in my session, I feel like I don’t feel, I feel like I don’t have reactions when I know I should have one, I know I am supposed to feel something but I can’t, why is that?? Is that my depression??? Now I know!!! Thank you

[@ramonab2029]

I definitely adore how he puts across his feelings and ideas and his language skills! Perfect

[@ivonneespinosa4306]

The truth lies... great quote

[@MichaelCarr-eq5wm]

thank you for the touches of humor to break up the darkness

[@VanessaSimon26]

This talk is very important!

[@paulraymond890]

Hi Vanessa How are you today?🌺🌺

[@rishabhjoshi7171]

best Ted Talk ever!!

[@herbboucher816]

We live in a society where people don't even matter.

[@natchr5646]

sir, i can resonate with your feelings and i am a worrior of these so called depression. but i found a new meaning after overcoming it !

[@MyDancer1996]

Really hard cardio exercise helps so much. And walking with friends and scheduling yourself. Also volunteering. You can do it! 💪

[@sonyatrivino9854]

Thank you! It touched my life entirely.

[@Clairebearthegoodfinder]

I successfully completed TMS therapy after 2 times. I tried many over the years. Very nice talk 🤗🥰

[@ssanyuleonce4047]

Wonderful talk about depression, it has created hope picture in my mind . That I can rise again, I only felt life has ended , but I feel am living again 😭, thank you

[@deliagallegos5658]

What a wonderful speech.