Never once, during any of my bouts of depression, had I been inclined or able to pick up a telephone and ask a friend for help. It wasn't in me.
Kay Redfield JamisonRead
One is what one is, and the dishonesty of hiding behind a degree, or a title, or any manner and collection of words, is still exactly that: dishonest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty over superficial titles or accolades.
Kay Redfield Jamison's quote highlights the notion that true identity is not defined by degrees, titles, or external labels. It underscores the idea that relying on such attributes to present oneself is fundamentally dishonest, and encourages individuals to embrace their true selves without masquerading behind societal accolades.
Themes
AuthenticityHonestyIdentityTitlesDeception
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal integrity, one could say, 'As Kay Redfield Jamison reminds us, one is what one is, and we must embrace honesty in our identities.'
More from Kay Redfield Jamison
All quotes βNo 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
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Mood disorders are terribly painful illnesses, and they are isolating illnesses. And they make people feel terrible about themselves when, in fact, they can be treated.
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When people are suicidal, their thinking is paralyzed, their options appear spare or nonexistent, their mood is despairing, and hopelessness permeates their entire mental domain. The future cannot be separated from the present, and the present is painful beyond solace. βThis is my last experiment,β wrote a young chemist in his suicide note. βIf there is any eternal torment worse than mine Iβll have to be shown.
Kay Redfield JamisonRead
When public figures remain silent about depression, there is a cost to the rest of society. Silence contributes to the misperception that successful people do not get depressed, and it keeps the public from seeing that treatment allows many individuals to return to competitive professional lives.
Kay Redfield JamisonRead
Because I teach and write about depression and bipolar illness, I am often asked what is the most important factor in treating bipolar disorder. My answer is competence. Empathy is important, but competence is essential.
Kay Redfield JamisonRead
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