Galway man Sean Nee is currently living in Indonesia, working as a surf guide.
While some would see this as an ideal way to spend your days, Sean has made the important point that blue skies and palm trees aren’t necessarily an indication of how happy a person is.
The Irish photographer has penned a personal account on his website, www.seanneephotography.com, detailing his ongoing struggle with depression and anxiety.
Sent in to our JOE.ie bros, this open letter is powerful and will stay with you long after you have finished reading.
We have featured an extract from Sean’s letter below and to read the letter in full, click here.
“I am trying to understand why I decided to write this story and why the words you are reading have come out in this order. I suppose I wanted to give you an insight into the mind of someone with an illness of the mind and to explain how important it is to emotionally support each other.
“I also wanted to show people that no matter how blue the water or high the palm tree is on someone’s Facebook profile, it does not show how happy they are. I think I wrote this mostly for me, a therapy to help me not feel so alone, trapped in my thoughts.
“I hope this story has found someone going through a similar ordeal and that might help them in some small way to feel connected and acknowledged.
“For any young people reading this, or anyone who is suffering from depression or anxiety disorder, I hope I haven’t scared you. I have more good days than bad ones and I have felt love and joy many times. I know I will in the future – so will you!
“You may go through this rough patch but you can get through it. You will know yourself better and will have a greater empathy for others. Keep your heads held high”.
If you or someone close to you is affected by depression or anxiety, check in with one of these free service groups here for confidential advice, support and information.
