QuoteProject
One of the manifestations of depression for me is that I lose my will. And I thereby lose my ability to focus. I don't think I'll ever have the day-to-day consistency in my performance that something like This American Life has. If I'm not depressed and I'm on and I can focus and I can think through something hard and without interruption and without existential emptiness that comes from depression, that gives me - not mania. But I exalt. I exalt in not being depressed.
Rachel Maddow
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the struggle with depression and the joy of overcoming it to regain focus and vitality.

In this quote, Rachel Maddow discusses her experience with depression, highlighting how it affects her will and focus. She contrasts her depressive state with moments of clarity and joy when she is free from depression, expressing a sense of exaltation in her ability to think clearly and perform well, illustrating a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs in dealing with mental health issues.

Themes

DepressionFocusWillPerformanceExaltation

In practice

Example use cases

In a mental health awareness seminar to encourage participants to seek help.

More from Rachel Maddow

Gay people - generally speaking - have a responsibility to our own community and to future generations of gay people to come out, if and when we feel that we can.
Rachel MaddowRead

Similar quotes

I'd been depressed before, of course. But I'm talking about really depressed. Not just feeling a bit down or sad, a depression that has something to do with biorhythms. I'm talking about the kind of depressed that floats in upon you like a fog. You can feel it coming and you can see where it is going to take you but you are powerless, utterly powerless to stop it. I know now.
Alan CummingRead
No pill can help me deal with the problem of not wanting to take pills; likewise, no amount of psychotherapy alone can prevent my manias and depressions. I need both. It is an odd thing, owing life to pills, one's own quirks and tenacities, and this unique, strange, and ultimately profound relationship called psychotherapy
Kay Redfield JamisonRead
I had a mental breakdown while doing my Ph.D. at Cambridge, soon after I cut off contact with my parents, and I started seeing the university counsellor, one of the best decisions I ever made. There's something very nourishing in setting aside an hour a week to talk.
Tara WestoverRead
I am unable to describe exactly what is the matter with me; now and then there are horrible fits of anxiety, apparently without cause, or otherwise a feeling of emptiness and fatigue in the head.
Vincent Van GoghRead
If you have a relative who's lost interest in everything and doesn't get out of bed, who doesn't care for things they used to, can't imagine anything that would give them any pleasure, don't fool around with it; get therapy, get help, get medication if that's right for you, or talk therapy, or something.
Dick CavettRead
When I was coming out of depression, I made one random video. It wasn't funny or anything, but just the idea that people I didn't know were watching it made me feel less alone than I'd felt in a long time.
Lilly SinghRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.