Stephen Fry on Manic Depression

[@philbateman1989]

In the winter of 2012 I had a lengthy period of clinical depression. I thought I knew what depression was before that time. I didn't. Depression isn't just feeling sad. It's far from it. It's the most hideous experience I have ever lived through in my life. I couldn't walk, I couldn't even stand up. I could barely even open my eyes. I didn't want to do anything. I put on a happy face, but more than anything, I just wanted to die. It is beyond description. It is the kind of affliction you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Today, I am so thankful that I made it out alive, It still amazes me that I did. That period that seemed endless was the most hideous thing I can remember. I just hope that other people who find themselves in that place can get out, it's the hardest journey you will ever face, and there is NOTHING that can make it any easier.

[@vanessaperry2701]

Now that you have suffered an episode of major depression you are at twice the risk of having another episode. You should be aware of that.

[@philbateman1989]

I am aware of that, I have had a couple of subsequent episodes since then. They tend to last about 4-5 weeks and pretty much disable me, making work and relationships difficult.

[@vanessaperry2701]

I'm sorry to hear that. To tell you the truth my younger sister had suffered major depression almost a year ago, and since then she has developed blatant symptoms of PTSD!! I'm pretty sure she is close to being sent to a hospital under mental health. I just don't think you can go on for that long with such serious problems without any professional treatment at all.

[@philbateman1989]

Depending on the type of depression you suffer from, you can develop symptoms of PTSD as a result, it's far from a pleasant experience after all. I don't think it's a good idea to go without any kind of professional help, it certainly got me through the hardest times. The thing is, the symptoms will go away in time, but unless you change the things you are depressed about, it'll only come back for you later. It becomes a cycle. My great grandmother was hospitalized for most of her life with depression. It doesn't need to be that way nowadays, but it might actually help for your sister to have a stay in hospital where she can relax and get the care and attention she needs from professionals. The prospect can be scary, but it can make things so much better to take some time out and have proper care. I hope your sister improves soon, I've been there, it's a nightmare.

[@Usvaa]

How did you eventually get out of your depression? What helped? And did you change some things in your life after that? I'm very curious because I have some degree of depression myself.

[@jamesoconnor1761]

I've never heard anyone who can speak as well as Mr Fry. He's a real advocate for Manic Depression

[@ProbablyNotLegit]

I've never heard someone tell me about myself before I heard him speak so candidly and clearly. Turkey a gentleman

[@FlavourlessLife]

We need more men talking about depression, because it took me over 7 years to 'come out' and ask someone else for help. Anyone want's to talk/vent - I'm here to listen.

[@Lebacbemti]

3 or 4 years here, I feel like I bother my friends with talks about how I feel. Like I'm selfish and everyone has same problems. Now I lost most of my friends, most of my family thinks I'm a loser and I try to think of ways to get better

[@FlavourlessLife]

Lebacbemti Hey. I permanently lost all of my friends when I became depressed. I felt like I was bothering them too and I ended up completely withdrawing from them because I felt like they didn't want me there. In retrospect however, you have to realise that when you're depressed you will naturally undervalue yourself a lot. You will assume that your friends don't want you there because you think "I'm a loser, why would my friends want me here." It is much easier to be on your own because of this. However, just because you see yourself and the world in this negative way, it doesn't mean that other people do. You need to learn to separate your own negative view of yourself from other peoples' views of you. I would say that If your friends/family genuinely do not value you, then fuck 'em. Get away from them. But be sure that the problem isn't your own low self esteem warping your view of the world. I made this mistake and I regret it.

[@Lebacbemti]

Thing is I'm not sure, most of them stoped calling. Could be a combination of them not caring enough and me being down. Thing is I try not to speak about it, so I put on a smile and try to act like they are used to see me before. I know it's time for me to snap out of it, I'm wasting my best years on this shit(I'm 24). Hope just realizing it is a step in the right direction. I don't know

[@adrienfourniercom]

I like his wheather metaphore, it's so right.

[@Landauh]

Bridget W Shut up bitch, go marry a man and have a few kids and live out your mediocre life.

[@nataljawells3761]

+Landau the fuck is wrong with you why are you watching a video about depression, and tell telling someone in the comments to kill themselves. Do you not understand you watches these videos? what was wrong with you when you wrote those thing hidden behind your computer screen?

[@nataljawells3761]

Stephen Fry is the most inspirational man I have ever seen, I love him so much, he means the absolute world to me, and he is one of the most brilliant minds I have ever seen.

[@nancymanson9434]

Yay phan!

[@jasperyoung2466]

"Life is so black you cannot imagine a tomorrow." probably the most eloquent and concise description of depression I have ever heard.

[@nowrich93]

Yeah, im sending this to anyone who says "snap out of it"

[@Saturnia2014]

Therealfishfinger They still won't listen. Fools who only think about themselves and are always happy. I loathe them to no end.

[@glitchyme3707]

I'd press the button. The highs aren't worth the lows.

[@alekseysky-daziel3283]

Word brother

[@BartAlder]

I'd not press it. I've had it so long I don't know who I would even be without it. Also I have made progress with it over the decades and have come to accept the 'black dog' as so integral to who I am and how I have to think to get through a bad day that it would be like losing even more of myself to the same disease. If you had a button which erased most of your life and your life memories and all your personal progress, all the self-understanding offered by beating back the depression, spanning three or more decades, would you *really* press it? I'd honestly need that personal choice explained because it makes absolutely no sense to me personally. I fight for my dignity and sense of self worth, I don't want those decades of incremental progress to become completely meaningless. Besides it is a cheap trick, the button doesn't exist, we have to find other methods for getting by and pretending that's not true isn't helpful except for illustrative purposes.

[@longdrums]

@@BartAlder Ask me on different days and I'd give a different answer. When I'm deep into a depressive episode, I would give ANYTHING to press that button and end the torture. If I'm baseline or hypomanic, my view would be the opposite and I'd be grateful for the energy and the drive I have. It's so easy to forget how bad things can get when you're out of the hole. It's easy to understand why people who've never been clinically depressed can't grasp how severe it is, but I think we even forget just how bad it gets ourselves, even if we've been depressed over and over throughout our lives. It's like trying to imagine a headache when we don't have one. You can vaguely remember the feeling but not in the detail of when it's happening to you. Bipolar disorder has caused so much disruption in my life. Mine started early and aggressively; I was 16, rapid cycling every 2 weeks from debilitating anxiety, insomnia, racing thoughts and wishing for death every minute of the day, to suddenly snapping out of it and being on highs that came with their own problems. In those two week hell holes, sometimes I literally didn't eat for 2 weeks straight., and would maybe get 2 hours sleep max per night. The physical health problems associated with that level of insomnia, depression and anxiety take their toll. I've been hospitalised with a full on acute psychosis when I was 20. That experience changed me. It was unbelievably scary but I actually reached a point of acceptance that I would be a vegetable forever, much like someone who's taken acid and believes they have induced a permanent state of psychosis. It was a complete ego death, and thankfully only happened over the space of a few hours. I would've been admitted to the psych ward, but I'd come back to earth by the time the crisis team reached me. I just think of all the time in my life that was wasted by depression. The many days and months I've spent unable to function. It's been a major set back. I missed a lot of school, I had to drop out of university twice and was never able to finish my degree. I've had years of unemployment, being on benefits etc. I feel like it badly affected my development. I was 27 by the time I was stable enough to move out of my parent's house. I truly believe I've accumulated a great degree of trauma from the countless times I've been so unwell. Rather than an external event such as an assault or shell shock, it's trauma from my own state of mind. To this day, I'm still plagued with nightmarish memories from how I've felt, particularly pre-medication. I worry about the circling vultures of depression waiting for their next meal and I worry about being able to sleep. It's better when I've had a longer period of stability, but there were and are still times where I can't fully commit to things (or I do and back out on the day), because I'm afraid I'll be too ill to fulfil plans and promises. Being a musician, I can't carry much confidence about going on tour for example, for the fear that I'll be struck down a long way from home and have to drag myself on stage, sleep in unfamiliar places, and generally have to somehow perform at a high level when I can't even get out of bed or interact with anyone. The highs have cost me greatly too. I've been unfaithful to previous girlfriends, I've done a lot of drugs, I've upset people with my bulging ego, said shitty things, been reckless in so many ways. Then there's the meds... I take 6 tablets a day. That's 2,190 a year! Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for them because they have lessened the severity of my condition, but I'm now probably going to have to take them for the rest of my life, or at least for a very long time. I've already been taking various meds for over 10 years. I worry what that is doing to my body and my brain long-term, and get severe withdrawals if I accidentally miss too many doses. As helpful as they've been, it's a trap that I can imagine is going to be extremely difficult to break out of. The button is obviously, merely hypothetical. There's nothing we can do to erase this condition. We have to learn to live with it. If there is an upside, I feel like I have a more well-rounded view of life and the trial and tribulations that come with it. I get periods of deep self-reflection, appreciation for other's struggles, and it has forced me to adopt as many tools as I can to keep myself as well as I can be. I HAVE to exercise, I HAVE to eat well, I HAVE to meditate and I have to try and remain sober and responsible. Sorry for the essay, I've just come out of a pretty bad slump and probably flown up a little too high on the other side, but just wanted to give my perspective.

[@richardbuckley1232]

Me too …

[@Mary-6]

I think he truly is an amazing guy. Not a lot of people have the courage to speak out about their depression and the illness.....and their he is doing it for us. We need more people like Stephen fry to send out more info for those who don't have it and those who want to learn more about the illness.

[@eliten3mesis]

Only people who want to know about depression is people who may have it or do have it or think they have it - everyone else would not want to get involved with it to keep themselves be happy - and because they think those who say it are bsing or seeking attention - out of fear people with depression say nothing

[@jamesroberts2282]

I was suspected to be bipolar twenty years ago fifteen years later my behavior indicated that I was very likely to be bipolar. I've been on lithium and Prozac for the past five years. I'm at the stage now that I'd probably choose to press the button. Anyone struggling at the moment, hang on in there, it might be better tomorrow.

[@gg_pearl3889]

james roberts I think I am

[@adamregele5786]

RIP Robin Williams. The World lost a comedic genius and true inspiration to millions.

[@rahulkemp8347]

amen

[@damiansarwar4153]

I've felt intense pain as a result of depression and just pray a cure will one day be found.

[@Foreverkatus]

May god bless you and make your life happy again

[@TechnicolorBunny]

Damian Sarwar You aren't alone.

[@alekseysky-daziel3283]

You aren't alone brother I'm with you. From one human to another I hope you find the peace of mind you deserve. God bless dude.

[@enterbalak]

Having a Manic episode is an incredible feeling. Just goes to show how powerful the brain can be, with no drug effect. However, when you find yourself back to reality, the Depression settles nicely again. The Black Morbid Dog never leaves his room, never to remember the joys of life and normality. If it goes on for to long once becomes bitter with certain issues, recovery is there but takes time.

[@ScathachWarrior]

This seriously made me cry. I've never heard a better way of describing depression and I've struggled so much trying to explain it.

[@IminlovewithJakub]

This made me cry, I’ve just been recently diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorder and everything he is saying music to my ears!!! It gives me hope!

[@some12watch30]

Here's something crazy; I made him go to Belgium back in June 2002. He came up to me in Dover when I was visiting family in Britain coming from the continental mainland on ferry, about to leave the UK again via the port. I was 12 years old playing hide and seek with a little girl on a desolate beach when he approached me as I hid behind small boats on the shore. Looking tall and enigmatic, wearing a long coat and underneath dark grey skies he asked me; "where are you from?" I never forgot him. Only recently did I find out who he was after recognizing him in news articles and V for Vendetta. As for those ignorant enough as the woman in the video; Belgium and the UK are quite similar in some respect. Not just in weather conditions.

[@lorettajames3911]

Thank you Stephen Fry for getting more understanding out there for us that have bipolar. My dad once told me to just snap out of it after making him watch this I know that's never going to happen again it was not because he didn't care but lack of understanding something he had never gone tho. I try and tell people how it's painful but they can't understand how it can be and I hope they never have to. I wish you the best and to all people with this and to the love ones of them!

[@alekseysky-daziel3283]

Stephen I just want to say thanks for reassuring and helping me fight this, what seems to be endless battle dude. Someone like you speeking up about this gives me hope that it's not just me who feels this way. Thank you dude and God bless you.

[@lydiadawn2177]

Stephen, I lost my mother, aunt, brother, and sister to suicide due to manic depression. I appreciate all that you speak about and make the public aware of!!! Thank You for your work!!!

[@alekseysky-daziel3283]

God bless you Lydia, nothing but peace and love to you !

[@tulinbeyduz920]

I’m so sorry . That’s a great loss of many

[@billyburton2528]

Stephen Fry's eloquence enables him to breach a subject so sensitive in modern society, so effortlessly. Well played good sir.

[@spectrablaze3760]

'It can't rain all the time' -The crow

[@EyeShotFirst]

I liked that he mentioned the creative aspect, because when I was looking into medicating my depression and anxiety, I was concerned about how it would affect me as a musician. Most of my work comes from how I feel.

[@SSJKenpachiZaraki]

I worry about the same thing too

[@SSJKenpachiZaraki]

lcyw20 we weren't talking about bipolar >_>

[@TechnicolorBunny]

***** I'm bipolar and if I hadn't started taking anti depressants I probably would have killed myself.Can't be creative when you're dead.

[@JohnnyCagePro]

***** let's us know when you win your grammy thanks to your disease

[@EyeShotFirst]

JohnnyCagePro Grammys aren't a measure of artistic ability. An Oscar isn't a measure of cinematic ability. So on and so forth.

[@TaNkGiRlGiBo]

Hes so bang on with everything he is saying. I admire his ability to openly talk as well as explain to someone who doesnt know anything about the condition how it feels. What a inspirational man

[@MeditationVacation]

Wow! Great analogy of depression. summed it up fantastically, denying the fact that you are down and not telling people is very harming for you and the people around you. Hence, why I produce guided meditation on my channel. When I was in a deep dark depression there was no one around and counsellors didn't give any advice, I turned to youtube for answers. The one thing that got me through instead of calling it depression, I call it period of self reflection was guided meditation and yes, anti depressants made me feel worse. I got through it and try to help others with my channel. Thankyou for sharing this!

[@raymondlai4656]

Dear finnbuster, I would like to say, thank you, to you, for taking the time, energy and effort to both upload and share this video with the youtube community. Thank You!

[@darrendickinson4324]

I cant articulate the feeling and don't think may people can, Stephen Fry can though, and does here. Thank God he is amongst the afflicted.

[@skinstarrr]

I love and respect Stephen Fry so, so much. He really tries to wake people up, and let them understand that this disease(!) is not a choice of lifestyle.

[@oddsam]

When someone asks what it's like for me, as a person with bipolar disorder, I always suggest looking at a Stephen Fry interview. He really captures what it's like in a beautiful, yet simple to understand way. Any ways, thank you Mr. Fry for verbalizing what I cannot.

[@gypsykatcher30]

Im glad there are still understanding and merciful people out there. x

[@MagicalPhi]

As someone who has been diagnosed with depression, this really speaks to me, as Stephen Fry is, in my world, famous for doing. Nobody in this world reaches my heart quite like Stephen. :)

[@gayfairs]

I adore that Stephen Fry and Catherine Zeta-Jones are talking about bipolar, because both of them are beloved and classy celebrities. They are smart, normal, and kind. They are really helping to release the stigma.

[@BPgamer77]

This video is brilliant! Stephen Fry describes this illness so well!

[@Draakur]

I've watched this many times and will watch it many times again. Glad I did this time, it helps.

[@AlexReynard]

It's nice to hear this, someone just flat-out saying it is as real as any other disease and needs to be looked at that way. I have it to a degree that's never quite been suicidal. But I know how it is to lie in bed and think that I can't possibly continue living because I will fail at everything I try. You become incapable of happiness. It's just gone. Your brain lies to you and shuts out all your good memories. You see only the worst sides of people you love. It's insidious.

[@fwuffleclouds15]

I went through depression and anxiety at the beginning of this year. I didn't sleep in over a week, and I thought such stupid thoughts. I really wanted to end my life, but I was too scared to make the move. I couldn't think straight and whenever someone spoke to me, I could hear them but I couldn't understand what they were saying, and I couldn't stop thinking. It was horrible. I don't know how I got better, but I'm so glad Stephen Fry is speaking out about mental illness.

[@deeodoh]

what an absolutely phenomenal description of this illness. From someone who has been that low to flying that high I can indeed relate. I would also not press the button x

[@MooneySquared]

Stephen Fry is and will remain one of the greatest people, just simply, ever - no matter what happens. In more modern terms, he is "A boss".

[@canonfodder100]

He did in his movie, which he mentions in this video. not all depression ins the same, some of us live on the edge of having a normal life and falling down. Seeing people like this who are fighting and winning and have succeeded in life gives me hope. And for depressed people hope os a commodity thats hard to come by. Thank you Stephen Fry.

[@TankManHeavy]

This man genuinely makes my life worth living, amazing man, exceptional explanation.

[@AutomaticDuck300]

My doctor says that I have bipolar disorder 2 and I'm on medication for it, but all of my friends and family say that I'm just depressed with anxiety and I shouldn't be on the medication. So I guess I'm not bipolar at all. Thank God for that!

[@sarahbucket8037]

u serious?

[@AutomaticDuck300]

+Sarah Bucket It's sarcasm

[@thebasicnurse]

Thats my parents too.... :D

[@13ridget13]

Wow...just wow. I'm amazed at how he explains being bipolar/manic depressive so perfectly..... it's exactly what it's like....

[@healthandwellness4you]

Very brave to talk openly about depression

[@gorkemgulan]

Health so weird that it is a taboo.

[@Sophz235]

The story about the lorry guy was so powerful, it really makes you see depression on a whole new level

[@struttingbirdlofi]

He's right about the mania. I wouldn't have had half of the amazing life experiences I've had without it. The flip side is I've also destroyed everything amazing in my life before or not long after gaining it. I see it as the basic laws of opposites and equals. The higher you go up the further you fall. Most people never go far up and hence they never fall far either.

[@mweepinator]

There was a Littlebigplanet 3 ad when I clicked on this (if you don't know Stephen Fry is the narrator). That ad to this video is a bizarre change mood.

[@malingenie77]

The analogy to stormy weather was spot on. Fry is a magician with words.

[@Accio_Eloise]

Choked up when he said about the man who walked in front of the lorry saying "This pain was nothing like the pain that made me stand in front of that lorry..." What a way to describe it, really gives a sense of how they much feel...

[@TrollSnifferMe]

I suffered from serious depression & anxiety in 1995.I'm still living with the after effects. I will never forget the extreme fear,the feelings of hopelessness etc.Ive never felt so close to death. Its an horrific illness.And those that scoff at it,or even worse,dismiss it entirely should hang their heads in shame...And prey it never visits you ...AND I MEAN PREY. To those suffering.There is light at the end of the tunnel.You can get better.But it takes time.

[@GabrielRobinson1991]

Wow steady on chum... it was nice you were making such a deep, well-thought point that was cut short mid way- then it was because you were writing on a high end gaming console. I found that amusing and endearing when talking about such a bleak subject as depression, showing that while life is serious, we can also do so whilst playing games and having fun. That's how I saw it anyway...

[@ThrEEleggedFilipino]

you could tell his illness, by the quick confidence that grew in this interview: no more stuttering, smooth speech, and humor. I can relate, and i am in depressive state. I would def press the button, but i still experiment and see if i can maintain that manic state forever.

[@TheAltDreamerManz]

It's crazy really. I suffer from anxiety attacks quite frequently as a result of depersonalisation and what once where quite frequent panic attacks. But a lot of the symptoms from all mental health issues relate in a lot of ways. The weather analogy he gives for example is exactly what my moods are like most of the time. Such an incredible human being...

[@omegavimtocus333]

"It was nothing like as terrible as the pain that made me stand in front of that lorry..." That right there, is one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever heard. To be so apologetic and so depreciating on oneself, it makes my heart ache, it truly does.

[@619wisey]

Steven's analogy of it being like weather is SO true , and for someone who does not suffer it is hard to get the full picture of what it is like, it is an acceptance , not something which people tell you often nowadays as something to 'get over' - It would be great if society could begin to understand this instead of ignoring it :/

[@_LianaHardy]

So intelligent and enchanting in all his talks, I'm so curious about his life... He's serious at times but also can be so funny :)

[@santacruz01pca]

A. THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING THESE GEMS FROM THE BRILLIANT STEPHEN FRY. HE MAKES ME GROW -- AND I AM GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR THAT, AND FOR ALL THE OTHER ADVANTAGES GAINED FROM YOUR THOUGHTFUL GENEROSITY. B. FOR EXAMPLE What insights! Including the persuasive suggestion that "the mood [of the manic-depressive state] is very much like your own personal weather." 1. He said this in the context of describing his own struggles with manic depression. Just as when you try to change the external weather -- and surely fail -- you have no control over the incredibly painful thing that descends over your mind -- on its own -- whenever it "wishes" -- despite your burning desire that it stay away and leave you alone, A thing which, some of the time, makes you prefer death to enduring the excruciating pain for another second. And, at other times, you feel supremely energized, motivated, and capable of doing the most grandiose of things -- all at the same time. Back and forth -- wearing out the human spirit. [What a tragic curse and misery (sigh!)]. 2. He relates that these mood-swings are usually and stubbornly out of control -- to the discomfort and confusion and even danger -- for everyone else -- and, of course, the poor afflicted sufferer. 3. Moral of the Story (for me, at least): This further confirms the wisdom of the injunction, "judge not, lest ye be judged." (And, perhaps, "There, but for the grace of God, go I.") One never casually knows exactly what anyone else is experiencing behind the scenes. And careless condemnation is always an injustice. The cross any given soul is bearing -- may be much heavier -- than others ever imagined -- based on the available information -- which is always imperfect and approximate, at best.

[@CrazyDiamond003]

I'm the same, kind of borderline-bipolar. I have a mix of hypomania and anxiety in my "up" periods, do things I regret and that only feeds the depression. I'm on meds that cut out the extremes, but the truth is, when dealing with a depression that will be inevitably longer than the alleged "hypomanic" episode, it's so hard to think that the happiness will return and I'll be all fun and arty again. I miss feeling that way so much.

[@joemadden4215]

I agree with Morgan Hoch. It feels like a no win situation as I feel the medication just saps me of any personality and makes me feel like a zombie and void of any creativeness but the the crushing low that precedes the high isn't worth it. Since my struggle with this condition and mental health in general, I could count on one hand the amount of people that stuck around and been supportive of me in my darkest times.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I can imagine how difficult it might be for people post 2016 to hear Stephen Fry mention Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.

[@metashinryu]

I used to do that when i believed in a particular one, it actually makes things worse when you actually realize the entity who you are recurring to comfort you is the cause of it all. Nowdays i facepalm when i remember how twisted that thought process was. Reason is the way to go about any kind of problem/situation, not an entity who allows the questioning of it's existence.

[@Kaaxe]

Many of us have experienced this feeling, and it seems to be a growing disorder. I would too long for "the good old days" and hate how my life had turned out. I was depressed for 2 years, more or less straight. Sometimes I fall into small periods of depression, but never as bad as those two years. I like to think that those two years made me mentaly stronger. I didn't do it much, but I would advise to seek comfort from whomever you can, it can be a tremendous help. It's never as bad as it seems.

[@JamesCarmichael]

Sooner or later people are going to realize how easily Depression illnesses can be helpped with diet and exercise. I went through depression when i was 18 through 20. I adapted a Chinese protocol of exercise and a raw vegan diet and I now am 24 and have not had a single symptom of depression since. I feel great.

[@4990fab]

Informative and deep. Thanks! So true. Can't see the future.

[@chrisringer15]

it's hell , I wake in the night and and I try to dream of normality.

[@alekseysky-daziel3283]

Hope you're okay dude, ever need to speek just hit me up. From one dude with depression/bipolar to another. Peace brother

[@vick97x]

I have bipolar and I never thought I'd be able to relate to any other person but Stephen Fry explains how it feels. Still feel so alone but watching this is better

[@balucious]

I'll gladly accept your counselling, you sound very sure of the subject.

[@LydiaGormican]

Thanks for your reply. The stereotypes about manic depression are common and harmful, so I'm happy to find thoughtful commentary.

[@HeartToHeart70]

Being affected by mental dissorder stigma makes one feel even more alone than he feels already... this coming out of Fry's is such a awesome thing.. :)

[@RosePetal17]

I love Stephen Fry, he has such compassion!

[@teresa5943]

but the high part is so good, just genius, the creativity that comes with it is unbelievably wonderful... basically it's the same to ask you if you wanted to have rain and sun or just a boring weather... the thing is for some people the rain gets so overwhelming that they end up hurting seriously themselves, rationally they know that if they wait the high part will come but depression and bipolar disorder are not rational at all...

[@RikMayallAddict]

I think I have Cyclothymia =/ What Stephen said about imagining no future when you have a dark mood - how everything slows down and you become so sad you can't even conceive the idea that you'll ever be happy again - that rings true for me SO much.

[@Adamson11x]

I was diagnosed as bipolar in 2001. But all thes signs were there before. Because I was and ex-legionnaire I was first dignosed "PTSD". won't talk about my suicide attempts but anyhow it took over 6 years before I got the right diagnose after a 3 months of tests and so on. luckily I'm "hypomanic" only, but I know what kind of hell U have to go through with this illness. U have to experience of being in manic state as well as staring at the abyss, before U know howit feels.So Thanks Stephen.

[@bigbenhebdomadarius6252]

Fascinating description of the difference between normal feelings and the mania and depression of bi-polar disorder. For me, the key is that the clinical problems are out of control and you can literally be up one second and down the next. Whereas normal feelings result from what's going on in your life, and you can often exert some kind of control over them. For bi-polar people, the mania can be deadlier than the depression; I watch one friend destroy his life when he went manic.

[@Thethreestories]

Wow...genuinely touched. Doesn't happen to me much on KZbin.

[@AlexReynard]

"it's so hard to think that the happiness will return" I think that right there sums up depression in a nutshell.

[@TheGenericNerd]

Not just a brilliant man, but every word he says is so very true. Especially the weather analogy. Everyone who I've ever tried talking to just gives the old "just snap out of it" response or the "I was reading about a guy who has no arms or legs and he paints murals on church walls, don't you feel like a piece of shit for feeling sorry for yourself?"

[@SalteeMAN]

I've been going through the same thing the majority of my life. I recently went to a doctor and they helped me set up a meeting with a counsellor. If you feel like you're able to talk to someone close or maybe someone outside of family (I can't talk to my family, that's why I went to the doctor) do it. I know it's not fun, I wish you luck my friend. :)

[@alnoon7600]

Weather/mood analogy was very good.

[@pj8883]

It is literally impossible to underestimate the amount of good someone like Stephen Fry, or Carrie Fisher, or anyone else of their standing does when they talk so openly about an issue like this

[@mariovanbunder8043]

hiya i am on DEPAKINE 800mgs, i been taking it for 6 months, and it has really helped me, before i am on serqual,for it has been important having the support of my love one, and keep taling my meds the right way, i am good for now and hope it stays that way,greetings x

[@OriginalDickheadDave]

Know exactly what your saying as I experienced a very similar tertiary education spending a month in my own room. Wouldn't even come out to eat. I'm diagnozed with PTSD but as I get older a lot of what Mr Fry and others like yourself say make me think there is MD hiding under the PTSD symptoms. I spent a lot of my life jumping up and down on stage with a guitar around my neck so probably didn't notice the manic periods. The depression you and Stephen describe I know all too well.

[@ImRuzicore]

Pain makes me feel alive, while my depression makes me feel helpless to ever be content with life. It is a mental and physical drought of energy and light. I would push that button knowing I can finally be fucking happy for more than one or two days at a time.

[@Putaspellonyou]

@RazzWasThere i too suffer from periodic depression, but bi-polar is far worse. a lot of people don't realize that the manic phase can be just as dangerous as the depressive phase. fry's analogy of the weather is quite a good one though, but he's a really smart guy so i shouldn't be surprised.

[@Anonmare]

I can relate. I'm thankfully not bipolar, but I do suffer from manic and depressive episodes. Thankfully I don't experience depression as much nowadays but it does ruin lives. Many times I have tried killing myself but only changed my mind about it at the last second. But with Bipolar... I can't imagine how it must feel, and I hope I never do to be honest, and I applaud Stephen for bringing light to this issue.

[@mikelamatria3610]

beautiful person...i love mr. Fry...

[@shielz2k9]

Love this comedian , its an amazing side to him..

[@Parnasian]

More precise and perfect... impossible. Fry said it all, but it's just a small part of this particular hell that a bipolar has in mind. Altought I had never went to a doctor after an official diagnosis, I've been haunted by this roller-coaster of feelings, wafuk depression and total excitement almost all of my life. Suicide is always in mind, no perspective, no hope... it's horrible. Maniac depression is a terrible illness, it kills. Stephen, I'm with you on this everyday batlle.

[@SalteeMAN]

You know, I've been a huge fan of J.k. Rowling's writing and have been feeling depressed for the past 10 years of my life but I've never looked at Dementors that way. I hope you feel better and thank you for giving me something to think about. :)

[@wagooairlines]

hey thanks a lot for your message, really! and sorry about that comment sometimes i just get angry and say stuff i dont mean deep down, yea im sure stuff gonna be ok as long as there people like you, hope your life is good and take care x

[@TheLastHoneybee]

I've always somewhat loved and hated that Stephen Fry has Manic Depression. I also suffer Manic Depression, and I appreciate the fact that such a well-spoken and well-known man is able to be a spokesperson for the disorder. It helps a lot more people get more interested in understanding the illness. I hate it because I know the places he has to be at times in his illness. It's a horrible thing. You wouldn't believe the kind of dark one can see....

[@mariovanbunder8043]

so true, thats how i felt when i was having my depression, i was in a very dark room, wanted to open it, but just couldnt, sooo painful,xxx

[@SethHesio]

I've watched the documentary he refers to, Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, several times. It's worth its weight in gold as far as I'm concerned, as the more stigma is drawn away from mental health issues, whatever they may be, the more likely a sufferer will seek help, realise they are not alone and perhaps decide to push on and survive rather than ending their life. The stigma and fear of a mental institute can be enough to bring people to suicide. See the documentary if you haven't.

[@campbelljacable]

its strange hearing that mentioned when i was at my lowest that was the thought that always persisted

[@europeanbourgeois8223]

Oh how I weep at the squandered potential Oh how I weep at the wasted years Oh how I weep for the warmth of a friend Oh I how weep for the love of a girl Oh I weep to be remembered Oh I weep to be a better man Oh weep, oh weep mine eyes and cease not!

[@Afterthoughtbtw]

I suffer from depression - not manic depression but 'ordinary' depression - and yet I still felt like Stephen Fry was describing me with much of what he said. I can especially sympathise about the anecdote about the Royal Navy Commander - people don't realise just how painful depression can be because none of it 'appears' physical. I grew up with people like that, and it made everything that much harder. People like that are not only clueless but also part of the problem imho.

[@BartAlder]

This man has saved more lives with his work on publicising manic depression for a mass audience than a vast horde of psychiatrists with all of their worthless pills and useless homilies.

[@20LookInside12]

I hope this won't sound trite, it's just a comment on the internet, but seriously, you're not alone and you're in good company. I'm sure you've been told hundreds of ways to deal, like diet, journaling, exercise, art, etc.. but even with all that, it can still happen. If you have a crisis line, try calling it. It's confidential, you can vent your fears and frustrations, even if you're on the edge. Sometime talking openly without anyone judging can be a real relief. Chin Up. It's a mad world.

[@philbateman1989]

Depression is very different to sadness. Sadness is something everyone feels at one time or another. Depression is a disabling mental condition that causes sufferers to experience crippling, often physically painful low mood. When you're sad, you can be cheered up. If you suffer from depression, you CANNOT be cheered up. You can't imagine a future with you in it. You don't want to be comforted, you don't want anything, you just want to die. It's an affliction I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

[@AlicelnWonderIand]

I have manic depression and the difference between "depression" and "manic depression" is it has drastic highs and lows, just like Fry said... From a joy and happiness it can drop into inimaginable darkness and misery in one day, one hour. When in the depression people stay in darkness...

[@Ir0hbot]

The only way I've ever been able to explain my depression is like being locked in a room where you have the key, and all the people that you love and love you are surrounding that room. You can unlock the door whenever you choose, but you can't.

[@katiemiaana]

he's done a lot for mental illness, he deserves all the kudos just for that