“I suspect that people with depression are fixated on the possibility of ambition being rewarded with happiness. Probably more than most people are. That’s because ambition about the future is a way of avoiding looking at a past that’s often pretty bleak or a future that is terrifying.
This isn’t to say that getting a better job or a pile of money can’t be really great. They often are. Achievements or windfalls can often wipe out a particular cause of worry or dread, maybe even wipe out that worry forever. But then you get used to that new version of normal, the novelty wears off, and you’re left with the same brain you’ve always had, and that’s when depression emerges from dormancy.”

(The anecdote from a caller about the therapist mentioning flag day is one that my professor played for us and is the entire reason I started listening to this show. I’m so glad it was included. I think about that call every flag day)

I love how accessible and easy to digest John Moe makes depression and other mental health disorders. He allows us to humanize the diagnoses and break down the stigma.