Depression Is Real, So Let’s Be Real
We Made It to Double Digits!
Hitting Episode 10 feels so surreal! Thank you for pulling up a seat in our lounge, for tuning in, and for holding space with me. This milestone isn’t about perfect metrics; it’s about honest connection and today, that connection is all about depression.
Sitting in the Storm
Right now, I’m in a season where the clouds feel extra low. My energy dips, motivation flat‑lines, and even the simplest tasks feel like wading through wet concrete. You might not notice it on the outside because, “hi, high‑functioning depression!” but inside, there’s a heaviness that’s hard to describe.
I’m sharing this not for pity, but for permission… permission for all of us to acknowledge when life feels heavy, without judgment or shame.
Name It, Claim It, Tame It
Why bother naming depression? Because when we give our pain a name, we shrink the shame. Saying, “I’m depressed right now,” turns the invisible into something we can face. It also reminds me (and maybe you) that we’ve been in this space before and found a way back to the light.
A Night in the Deep End
The other night was rough. The kind where you stare at the ceiling and every thought feels ten times heavier. Instead of spiralling alone, I pressed pause and reached for my self‑soothe toolkit:
Warm shower – Let the water feel like a mini reset.
Soulful warm music - to quiet the mental noise.
Going for a drive – Change of atmosphere
Fuelling with comfort – Enjoying a warm comforting meal
It didn’t “fix” everything, but it reminded me I could still choose gentle actions even in the thick of it.
What High‑Functioning Depression Looks Like
You can be laughing at a family BBQ, smashing deadlines at work, and still be depressed. High‑functioning depression often wears a convincing mask:
Over‑commitment to stay distracted.
Exhaustion that sleep never cures.
Inner critic on max volume.
Moments of numbness that land out of nowhere.
If that feels familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not “too capable” to get support.
A Pasifika Lens: Collective Strength
In Pasifika culture, we’re big on communal care. We lift together, laugh together, and yes, we can heal together too. Depression can trick us into isolating, but talanoa reminds us that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. If you’re hurting, lean into family, church, friends, or community groups that feel safe.
Small Steps That Help (Even When Motivation Is 0%)
Move your body for 5 minutes – stretch, dance, walk the dog.
Hydrate + nourish – even a simple soup can be a win.
Sunlight/ fresh air – step outside, barefoot if you can.
Set micro‑goals – “Brush teeth”, “Put on fresh T‑shirt”, “Reply to one text”.
Celebrate tiny wins – They’re not tiny to your nervous system.
Hope on Repeat
I’ve crawled out of depressive pits before as many of us have and every time proves the same truth: this season is temporary. Maybe you can’t see the exit sign yet, but it’s there. Keep taking the next kind step.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re in the thick of it, please reach out:
Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
13 YARN (24/7 First Nations support): 13 92 76
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
A conversation can literally save a life… maybe yours, maybe someone else’s.
