Josiah Hartley on depression as an illness and not a personal failure

In today's conversation, I am joined by Josiah Hartley, who generously shares the complexities of his struggle with depression, emphasising the pivotal importance of early recognition of signs and the transformative power of self-kindness and professional support. His story serves as a testament to vulnerability, resilience, and the gradual path to recovery, offering valuable insights for both individuals facing similar challenges and parents seeking to connect with their children going through depression or having suicidal thoughts.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Depression: Delving into the subtle onset of depression, Josiah recounts the critical moment when he shifted his perspective, recognising depression as a mental illness rather than a personal failure. This realisation became a turning point, steering him towards the path of recovery.

• The Role of Support: Josiah highlights the pivotal role of a trusted psychiatrist who guided him through the complexities of treatment, underscoring the transformative potential of compassionate professional care. This discussion emphasises the need for empathy in healthcare interactions and the profound impact it can have on a patient's journey.

• Daily Self-Care and Mindfulness: Emphasising the significance of self-care and mindfulness practices, Josiah shares how simple acts of kindness towards oneself played a foundational role in his healing process. From daily routines to mindful practices, these small but impactful steps collectively contributed to a profound improvement in his mental health.

This episode stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of seeking help, and the possibility of leading a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by mental illness.

Read Josiah's book: https://amzn.eu/d/3O6nFAf

For those seeking additional support, please see the below resources that were mentioned in the episode:

Emily mentioned a PDF on DBT which you can view here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xR9c-LW8gK5RqJ-Src611kheCT-jNWky/view

Charlie Waller Trust - https://www.charliewaller.org/

Papyrus - https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Campaign Against Living Miserably - https://www.thecalmzone.net/

A big thank you to our sponsor Brora who are offering Therapy Works listeners a fabulous 10% off on full-price pieces. Head to their website broraonline.com and use the code TW10 at checkout before the end of April.

Find Julia Samuel:

Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/

Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

Produced by Rutherford Productions

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