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 somewhat). 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 been wondering: 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 in Baltimore
Fighting inner demons. Churchill's indomitable spirit meets Seneca's stoic wisdom.
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 somewhat). 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 been wondering: 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 in Baltimore
Winston Churchill
"If you're going through hell, keep going—never, never, never give in"
40 votes
Seneca
"We suffer more in imagination than in reality—but some suffering is real and must be endured"
36 votes
76 votes total
Full Positions
From Historical Figures Collection
"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.
From Seneca's Morals of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency
"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.
More Health & Mental Wellness Debates
See all →I've struggled with anxiety my whole life. I've tried therapy, meditation apps, journaling, exercise, medication. Some things help temporarily, but the anxiety always comes back. Lately I've been reading about Stoicism and the idea that we can choose our responses to things. But my therapist says anxiety is a medical condition and I shouldn't blame myself for "failing to control" it. I'm confused. Am I supposed to accept my anxiety as part of who I am? Or am I supposed to fight it with willpower and mental discipline? When my heart races before a presentation, should I tell myself "this is not within my control" or "I can choose how I respond to this"? I want to feel better but I'm exhausted from trying to fix myself. — Anxious About Being Anxious in Atlanta
William James
"Act as if what you do makes a difference—because it does"
49 votes
Marcus Aurelius
"You have power over your mind, not outside events—realize this and find strength"
50 votes
99 votes total