This is a fantastic metaphor. We subconsciously are afraid of acknowledging our mental health problems for a variety of reasons. Fear of rejection from friends we reach out, alienation of peers, and ridicule from loved ones are the ones that we espouse the most often. But for those who suffer for a long time, or even chronically suffer, the reason is far more insidious; we’ve been this way so long, who are we without it? What if, without the depression, we are still worthless? What if we still are unworthy of love and compassion and belief even untainted by these problems?

I think that’s why its so hard to directly confront. Its not the worth of oneself to others, but the worth you hold for yourself.