by generally bad at most things
I was recently hitting up the Reply All podcast archives (because they are sooo slow to put up new content) and came across a gem. The episode featured the writer Jamie Keiles and her struggles with depression. And it was funny AF. Dark, of course, but acutely self-aware and deeply hilarious. Keiles wryly recounted her struggles in a way that was all too relatable. She shared sweet memories of hating everyone on Instagram who seemed “earnestly” happy and posted about their “happy place.”
Keiles mused about the guilt she felt over not being a depressed genius. She mentioned having to explain to her friends why her depression hadn’t led her to write the next Infinite Jest or create a revolutionary oeuvre in painting. She, like so many of us depressed people, could only muster the energy to turn the TV on and watch for hours.
While listening to this, I was like, damn, yes. People who have struggled with depression and are able to create an open dialogue about it are the most insightful, clever people I know. Depression can be crippling, but the personal realizations you gain and the lessons you learn from it can be magnificent.
Below is a tribute to all my wonderful friends and fans (delusion is a great coping mechanism), who I love because of their wit, humor, and openness with their anxiety/depression.
Upsides to Depression
- Do you know any brilliant author, artist, or comedian who wasn’t depressed? You’re smart as fuck and analyze the world and your life to a painful degree. That’s cool, and you’re a bucket of wisdom because of it.
- Re: all comedians being depressed. Being open and self-aware about your drug-induced commas, body sores from not wanting to move, and not seeing anyone IRL but being overly present on Instagram embodies the spirit of a true degenerate and will serve as great material for the future.
- You get to try so many cool drugs. Drugs open you up to new experiences. That’s dope.
- You get to try these new drugs while binging tv and not talking to anyone. Did I mention staying in bed and not showering? Dream holiday.
- You have the company and understanding of all the other discerning fucks out there who are also dealing with mental health issues.
Having struggled with mental health is like being a member of a cool club that only the most critical members of our society are invited to. You’ve felt the most pain and numbness and have such an appreciation for life when you are in a good place. Hell yes, my comrades, comedians, and leaders of the future!