With the PJ Gallagher stuff, here’s Michael Harding’s outlook on depression and growth. I think I’ve found this true in myself since recovering from a breakdown last year. I find his outlook a candle of light for when the darkness grabs you. A means to a more authentic, happier version of yourself.

11 comments

1. Thanks for sharing this

2. Michael Harding is a national treasure. I don’t watch RTE but anytime I hear he’ll be on a show I’ll tune in. Some of his books are top notch too.

3. Can anyone tell me what PJ said to McGreggor? He deleted it

4. I had no idea how much I needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing.

5. I feel conflicted on this. While it’s a nice sentiment I think we do need to recognise that depression often is an illness and for some won’t be a point of growth unfortunately.

6. Side note, I love these two, but what show is this?

7. I understand where he’s coming from and why he’s effectively internalized it as an opportunity for growth but I disagree with his sentiment.

   Your challenges don’t dissipate where you come out the other side a well rounded person, free from the shackles of despair.

   I think depression is an illness and not everybody suffers from it at some stage. It’s a fucker that has to be managed along with time.

8. Thanks I went to a therapist today and feel much better ! For anyone who is struggling, I would recommend it.

9. Depression has often been romanticized throughout the past. Its often associated with some transition, some transformation or shedding of something in order to emerge as something else, something better. And although this can be the case, often its not. Often its about recognizing actual loss and finding oneself stranded indefinitely as a result. My depression has always been and has only ever gotten worse. If anything the more clarity Ive gained the more depressed Ive become. We think that by unveiling the world for ourselves that its bound to present goodness, some beautiful wisdom but actually I find the more you look the more you see that things arent so great.

   It can be the chemistry within one body which can be verified via various treatments i.e meds and newer approaches.

   Depression isnt a hero’s journey and ‘hollywoodifying’ it is not helpful.

10. Prefer this to the shite that Brezzie and blind boy pander. This guy is great

11. Literally started laughing when he mentioned how horrible it is. I can honestly say I never felt quite as much agony and pain, emotionally manifesting physically than when I was at my lowest point. He expressed it so well. It is indeed a point of growth, as your emotional capacity is expanded by force. You will always carry this pain and depression inside you but you’ve learned that you have room for everything else as well.