Cudos to Gwyneth Paltrow’s husband, Chris Martin, who had the foresight and strength to point out to Ms. Paltrow the depression she was experiencing. She was in the throes of postpartum depression, unable to bond with her new son and distancing herself from those who loved her. Mr.Martin saw what was happening to the mother of his child and he took the risk to bring it up to Ms. Paltrow. She didn’t want to hear about it. She wasn’t depressed, she said. Instead of being defeated, he encouraged her to read about postpartum depression and when she did, she was able to admit that indeed, she was suffering from depression. She was then able to meet the depression head on and seek help so she could return to a healthy state.
When people who love and care about someone who is depressed have the courage to confront the illness, to approach the depressed person and to tell it as it is, that is what makes the difference. The “T” of PACT – truth – brings the light of health and hope to the darkness of depression.
Thanks, Mr. Martin, for reminding us all that we need to be truthful about depression, calling it by name and reminding people that it is an illness that can be treated and that suffering from it carries no shame.
This blog post was written by Bernadette Stankard, co-author of the book, Dancing in the Dark – How to Take Care of Yourself When Someone You Love is Depressed.
