[There was an] interesting conversation between Jerald Dorado and Visconde Carlo Vergara in the first anniversary episode of The Powerful Komiksman Podcast. [It dealt with the subject of depression and how Filipinos generally handle news of a friend or personality saying that they have it.]
It's difficult to quantify depression and emotional/mental damage. As much as we'd like to know the extent of mental illness and how it impacts every human being, no technology or practice exists that can make depression and anxiety into comprehensive data. We don't know how depressed someone is until they talk about it or they destroy themselves.
Jerald's honest admission to not being depressed (particularly his confession with not knowing how to completely help depressed people) shows that there are people in the world who are (or believe they are) quite okay with who they are and what they go through with life. However, it shows that they don't have to be massive jerks towards people who are suffering the invisible illness.
[Carlo's willingness to discuss his current state with Jerald did not happen overnight, however. Their rapport is a result of both a friendship and a professional relationship that grew out of camaraderie and possessing shared interests. A compassionate and understanding host treats their interviewee like a friend to a certain degree, letting them talk their way through a topic or introducing points of interest to avoid dead air. I commend Jerald for his no-nonsense approach. It is refreshing to see hosts not turn a subject like depression into a complete joke for the sake of keeping it light.]
This portion of the interview proves that those who do not suffer depression can still be helpful and compassionate through asking honest questions about depression. Too often has society shunned depression and it rarely helps to throw about platitudes like, "Itawa mo na lang yan!" or "You just need to pray more." Carlo is commendable here for his own explanations of what he goes through as an artist and as a friend. His candor is much appreciated and it is a great example of depressed people still being capable of living an inspiring and humorous life. [I also found their little role play quite funny, because there's plenty of truth in it and the levity in which Dorado and Vergara tackled the scene was much appreciated.]
Laughter, prayer, and companionship can be helpful for those who suffer. However, with the additional burden of depression, we cannot assume it will be enough for everyone, especially those who do not come with the understanding of faith, courage, or intellect. It's okay to ask about a person's mental and emotional health. It should be normal. It's also okay to admit that you don't know how to help. That should be normal too. What's not okay is to ignore the warning signs of a friend's depression. What's not okay is to ignore your own scarred psyche's cry for help.
Please take the time to watch or listen to TPKP. Like the page, share the videos, and follow the pages on FB and YT for updates. This is quality podcasting.
~ The LexFiles
Originally posted as a reaction.
Additional text [in brackets] are added by the original author.