Man's Brave Video Explains What It's Like To Hide Depression | HuffPost Life

'I'm living a completely different life inside.'

By

Life Editor at HuffPost UK

Doug Leddin has been living with depression for 10 years. Now, after a decade of suffering in silence, he's decided it's time to speak out.

Leddin, from Dublin, recently shared his story in a powerful video on Facebook.

In the clip, featured below, he says: "If you asked my family and friends what they thought about me they'd probably tell you I'm a happy-go-lucky, positive, hard working and confident guy. But all that's a bit of a lie.

"I'm living a completely different life inside. I'm living the life of someone who suffers immensely with depression."

In the video, which was viewed more than 800,000 times within two days of being uploaded to Facebook, Leddin says mental health is hard for him to talk about.

"But it's not just me. It's impossible for millions of other people to talk about it - and that's the problem," he says.

Leddin hopes that by sharing his story, he will inspire other people to speak up about their mental health and reach out to their friends and family for help.

Doug Leddin/Facebook

Doug Leddin

He accompanied his video with a heartfelt status, which we've copied below:

"It's not often I post something too serious on social media and I'm not sure this is the right thing to do and to be honest I'm nervous as hell writing this status but I hope it helps others and I hope you can share this if you think it will help someone.
"There is something I have wanted to get off my chest for a long time, 10 years in fact. This will come as a surprise to some of my closest friends who I just couldn't talk to for fear of losing them or not being accepted.
"But after a lot of thought and consideration I decided to make a video to lift this burden off my shoulders and to share my experiences with you.
"I'm talking about depression and it's something we all need to talk more about, for too long people have suffered in silence and it's not right and as hard as it is to talk about it, it genuinely does help. I'm not saying that by opening up to your friends, family, colleagues or even teammates that it will make everything ok, but it will certainly help.
"To my best friends I have to say sorry, sorry for not having the courage to do this sooner.
"To my family, thank you for the support over the past 10 years.
"I'm now 27 and in a much better place in my life. I have spent years in and out of doctors...and various other places getting help since the age of 16. It was a dark place and I suffered alone and I shouldn't have. The past year has been much better and I'm thankfully in a place now that I feel comfortable sharing this. And although I wish it didn't take me this long to open up, it did, and I cant change that. But hopefully I can encourage a few others to do the same.
"I suppose the reason I'm doing this is to try [and] encourage others to speak about their mental health issues with family, friends or even organisations.
"If you think this could help someone please feel free to share it. Together we can beat the stigma associated with mental health, an issue that is on the rise with people of our generation.
"Just remember you are not alone."

Leddin finished the post with a list of services dedicated to helping people with mental health issues in Ireland, including Console Ireland, Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm, SpunOut.ie, Aware, Reach Out Ireland, Samaritans Ireland and A Lust For Life.

If you're looking for support in the UK, we've listed some organisations you may find useful below:

Mind - open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
Samaritans - open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
Get Connected - a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk

15 Facts About Depression

It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of15)

There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.

It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(02 of15)

Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.

It Can Be Expensive (03 of15)

In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.

New Moms Can Get Hit (04 of15)

Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.

Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (05 of15)

Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.

You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(06 of15)

Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.

It's Not Just Adults (07 of15)

One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."

It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (08 of15)

If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.

Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (09 of15)

Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.

Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (10 of15)

Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.

Exercise And Yoga Can Help(11 of15)

Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.

How Is It Diagnosed? (12 of15)

There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.

Hidden Causes (13 of15)

Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.

The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (14 of15)

Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.

Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (15 of15)

People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.

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