I remember having a recent talk with a few friends about artists and depression. We contemplated whether an artist can be successful and not be depressed. When you think about all the successful artists who have suffered depression, and the many who could not bounce back from it, it’s really quite unsettling.

So in society, at least in my experience, people tend to treat depression as something minor. It’s a thing that everyone knows exists but no one really talks about, except for those who advocate for people who are depressed to get help. I’ve got a very close friend who’s currently going through quite a rough patch and you can tell she is depressed. I do my best to help her out, but there’s not much I can do. After taking my advice and seeing school counselor she’s been receiving treatment and seems to be doing a little better. However it’s still hard for her.

As a musician, especially on striving for greatness, it’s hard to face the ultimate reality without getting discouraged. When I contemplate the progress I’ve made, how much I’ve done with my music in relation to the response I’ve gotten from “friends” and family, I can’t help but feel disappointed in myself. The worst part is when there’s no one around that can refute the fact that you are indeed a failure to yourself. Then the overhanging feeling of wishing you were dead while your body wishes for you to live sets in. All you can think about is what goals you haven’t fulfilled and how much you don’t mean to other people. You start to realize every little thing in other people that would suggest they don’t care. Then you convince yourself it would be fine to slip away cause no one would care anyway. I mean, I’ve been through that countless times since I can remember, and all I’ve held on to the whole time is that there’s always the chance that things can get better. Then I go back to my music and work some more.

My grandfather and Uncle have instilled in me the principle of being observant. Needless to say I’m super observant when it comes to people, even though it may not seem like it. One thing that I’ve noticed is the moment that a person starts talking about how something makes them feel, everyone around them starts to find a way to change the subject. You get excuses like: “oh, that’s depression," or “you’re just being selfish," or “back in my day…" etc. These are the same people who lack understanding and compassion. These people are the truly selfish ones.

I can understand how someone else’s feelings may conflict with your own agenda, but sometimes just being there to listen is very helpful. People aren’t stupid, they know that sometimes they’re in a catch 22 and no one can help them. You might even feel inclined to offer unbiased and rational advice. By all means, do so. However, it’s not exactly right to put someone down because what they have to say is “depressing." It’s depressing because they’re depressed.

You’re a music guy right, Joey? So why then are you talking about depression? Well, technically you’re not wrong… Riddle me this. What is the origin story of blues? Well, for you who are lacking in cultural knowledge of said music genre, Blues originated from the woes of being a slave. Slaves belted out their spirits and their spirits took on the form of music from delta region of the United States. It became so popular, but most people couldn’t pinpoint why. Some theorized that the manifestation of the depression of the oppressed was simply too ear pleasing to resist. I think that ought to have been a sign that America was already full of warped sadists.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is be kind to others. Especially your friends. When people are in need of being heard, you should lend and ear and give whatever help you can. This is because in the end all we have are each other and if you don’t take care of something then you lose it. It goes the same way with people. So with that, take care people.