I think I’ve reached a decision.
I’ve unfortunately missed today’s session which is very annoying because I had my routine all planned out!
However, my decision…
I think I’m going to look into the perils of being a mature student, but, from the point of view of a sufferer of depression. Believe me; even just typing that was a struggle. Therefore, I will be looking at methods of performing and delivering a sincere message. Obviously, I want to have an impact on my audience, but equally I don’t want to upset anybody. I feel depression is a misunderstood illness and want to get out there the idea that is ok to talk about it. It’s hard, but I think it can be done. That’s why I’m going to blend in the everyday nuisance of being a mature student. I already have material written which I think can be rewritten to include elements of my condition.
Yes, my condition, if you hadn’t already reached that conclusion. I have depression and am in counselling. There, I said it. This is partly the thought behind incorporating my Twitter feed into this blog. I tend to use Twitter as an outlet and, as much trouble as it has gotten me into in the past with various people, I believe that seeing my state of mind will help give an insight into what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.
I think this performance as a whole could be of use, not only to me, but to others. I want people to be more aware of the illness so that they can see the warning signs either in themselves or others and not be afraid to do something about it.
My performance will be a blend of autobiography, comedy, facts, a slideshow and advice for anyone who may need it.
I would also ask for anyone who has any experience, thoughts or feelings on the subject to please get in touch with me. Either leave a comment on this blog or if you’d rather have privacy, email me at 09164187@students.lincoln.ac.uk and we can chat and throw ideas and thoughts around.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Martyn
Hi Martyn,
It would be great to be able to have a chat with you about your ideas, this is basically the same sort of idea that I have had… I too am speaking from personal experience but want to address it in a different way.
Hope to speak soon
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
It’d be great to meet up and chat. I have a tutorial on Wednesday with Donald. I’ve had some more thoughts about what I want to do (see my post ‘Ideas’), but I think meeting and discussing would be a good idea. Is Wednesday at 12 okay for you in the Lpac?
Hi Martyn,
I am so sorry I didn’t even realise you had replied! I would still really like to hear your ideas though and maybe run mine by you too.
Sorry again for being rubbish, I’m really not good at this whole blog thing!
Hannah
No problem Hannah!
I’ll be around on Wednesday again at about 1.30 or Thursday at 12 if that’s any use to you?
I too do have depression Martyn and I am thinking that my performance could perhaps be something about how people are all similar but different and should all be treated with the same respect. I think part of it for me is that people have not treated me too well in the past, so now I feel differnt and don’t always feel like I fit in, but then again, why should I? why should people expect me to have similar likes/dislikes to them and similar dress sense, we all have our own brains and should be allowed to use them in the way we choose to use them (within reason of course- i.e. not in an overly rude way, we still do have standards to uphold in society.) Kind regards and sending some smiles. and yes, mental illnesses need to be seen as less taboo. I know a few other people who also have some sort of depression/anxiety/ocd and it’s only when I have told them about how I feel that they have opened up a bit and shared their experiences too, as they have been less scared about being judged. Sarah.
I look forward to watching your performance x
I think its quite bold to make such an exposure, and I don’t think that I would do the same, but if you find it therapeutic then fair enough. I think the only thing about incorporating aspects of your depression into the work is that if you are not careful it could become a focal point and start detracting from other issues. Unless you want to show that this issue really is at the forefront of your mind?
Hello Steven,
Thanks for your comment. I agree; it is a bold move on my part and if I were having one of my bad days I would never have posted this! It is partly because I think I will find it therapeutic but I also think that depression is such a taboo subject even in this day and age. Mental illnesses should be addressed without fear. A simple sincere ‘how are you?’ from a friend or colleague may be difficult to answer for a sufferer, but, for me at least, knowing that someone does actually care helps, even if I lie with my reply of ‘I’m good, thanks’.
I admit I don’t think that I suffer as badly as some, and that is probably why I feel I should be able to talk about it. Admittedly, this is the first any of my peers will have heard of my illness (blogging is a little easier and slightly more anonymous!).
On my good days I am a jovial, happy-go-lucky, wit. If I can remember that while coming up with a performance then I think some good will come of it. I am fully aware that whatever I do it may cause upset to some, although that is not the intention. The intention is to make people aware of the symptoms so that they can spot it in themselves or their friends and act before things get out of hand.
I guess my overall message will be; As hard as it is; talk.