Dark Night of the Soul - Curse and Gift

I will explore how my mistakes in evaluating what was really important led to a five year battle with depression which my psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated.

Through hard work, and the support of family, I eventually emerged with different priorities in life.

Drawing on my experiences, I will discuss how depression has the potential to be a transforming path that leads to unimagined possibilities.

Bio

I didn't know what clinical depression was the first time I tried to take my life. By all appearances I had a good life - a wife and family, a new home and a new career.

But the uncertainty that came with my new position filled me with anxiety. I had tension in my back and dark thoughts that wouldn't go away. Convinced I was a failure, I'd find myself wide awake at 3 am, staring at the ceiling. I believed a man should be on top of life and tried to think positive thoughts. But nothing helped and the lack of sleep left me drained and struggling to cope.

I don't know why I couldn't reach out and tell someone what was happening in me - I just forced myself to keep going.  

Books

Back from the Brink
Australians tell their stories of overcoming depression (2007)

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