Several years ago I was diagnosed with severe depression. As a performing artist and teacher, I find that many of my colleagues suffer from depression as well. We call it “the dark place,” where fears, anxieties, and feelings of worthlessness live. Although some of my best work happens when I am depressed–perhaps because I can’t negate crazy ideas by “thinking” too much–it is an illness. It is not something that “just working harder” can overcome. Complicating things further, there is a societal stigma attached to those who suffer from it, which makes it difficult to seek help. Because my own family doesn’t believe in depression, no one talked about it while I was growing up. I tried to tell my parents, but I was simply told to “…work harder and get over it.” Much later, I found that depression and even suicide run in my family.
One psychiatrist explained to me that hereditary depression tends to occur in cycles, and those cycles tend to increase in frequency and intensity as the person gets older. (Isn’t that great news!) Remedies for my depression have varied. I was put on a couple of anti-depressants, but I had an allergic reaction to the first one, and Prozac put me to sleep. After that, the psychiatrist didn’t know what else to give me. Since then I have sought out natural remedies.
What has worked for me are the following:
1. Recognition: Recognizing when the depression begins and taking steps to remedy it early on.
2. Exercise: An exercise program is invaluable.
3. Quiet Time: Find quiet time for reflection and regeneration. A hectic schedule that focuses on everyone else, is a sure way to set off depression.
4. Venting: Talking about my fears with a therapist or friends helps, while holding them in makes depression much worse.
5. Natural Remedies: A homeopathic doctor prescribed Sepia, which has made an incredible and immediate difference. It’s an all-natural remedy so my body can heal itself from the inside.
The reason I am committed to teaching in a positive, non-judgmental manner is because I know that most singers need to develop their personal “core” alongside their artistic development. Singers need to know “who they are” as a person first, and that their artistry is an extension of that. Then, and only then, will they be able to handle criticism or rejection as an artist–without feeling attacked at the deepest level. I have worked with so many singers who have had “negative-based” teaching in their past. They feel this made them better singers, but at what cost?
It has been my experience that singers need teaching that encourages them to try new things, allows them to fail without retribution, and helps them to progress. Singers then have a strong sense of themselves and their artistry that depression and the ups and downs of this business cannot destroy.
[Ed.: For those on traditional medication such as Lithium, waiting to take your medication until depression hits could be dangerous. If you suffer from clinical depression and want to try alternative remedies, do so only under a qualified physician’s care.]
