Storm is coming

Unpredictable

“Depression is an inner battle in your head” – Lars, in ‘De hoofdpersonen-podcast’.

Everyday people with depressive symptomes or mood disorders are coping with the inner struggles, or ‘the inner demons’ as a client once told me. Depression is one of the top three diseases in the world dominating the wellbeing of each individual envolved. In the introduction of Chodavadia et al. (2023) it states that Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are leading causes of disability and premature mortality. At a global level, over 300 million people are estimated to suffer from major depressive disorders, equivalent to 4.4% of the world’s population. This calls for a growing need of attention and understanding for this subject. Different individuals describing their day, their thoughts and their feelings, sink into a world of powerlessness and despondency. The pain that they experience is not only due to the inner battle they are fighting, but they also state to battle against judgement, prejudices and rejection in their environment. Understanding and compassion can contribute to a a stronger sense of self (agency), stabillity and inner peace. Social support in this process operating as a boost in ‘meaning in life’ and life quality for individuals suffering these struggles (Onyekachi et al., 2024).

Onyekachi, B.N., Aliche, C.J., Mefoh, P.C. et al. Relationship between social support, meaning in life, depression and suicide behaviour among medical students. Curr Psychol 43, 10330–10338 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05153-4