Screenwriting : Screenwriting, Networking, Learning by Josiah Bhola Hillaire

Keep writing!

Sorry to hear you're going through it. You reached out and that's half the battle to getting better. If I've learned anything by getting older, its keeping a balance of everything is hard work but it just takes practice. Not eating can lead to depression, depression can lead to not eating, not tidying up can lead to depression, depression leads to not tidying up. It's everything -- stretching, exercise, keeping clean. It's cyclical. Breaking out of it is tough. When I find myself spiraling I start small -- make a cup of coffee or tea. Put on a podcast on writing. I go through my place and put all my laundry in one spot. Don't worry about throwing things away or fixing stuff or putting things back. Laundry only. Once it's all there, sort it. Jeans. Shirts. Undies. Take a five minute break. Now, are you hungry? Are you finding it hard to eat in general or just find the food around you is unappealing? If you could have any food, what would it be? Make a mental note to go get it or make it. Then finish the laundry. Just forcing yourself to get moving can be a big help, even though it seems impossible.

Hi Josiah Bhola Hillaire - I whole-heartedly agree with Jessica, asking for help is the first step and take one step at a time. You don't have to do all the things at once, make the housework manageable and the writing enjoyable. What inspires you? Lean in to the things that make you happy and write a few lines about that. I'm a huge Beatles fan and I found this book years ago - it's a good read and very inspirational ...

https://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Way-Wisdom-Everyday-Life/dp/1582700613

you need to find the motivation that will make you write. I usually come up with a new plot when I play computer games or read educational literature.

depression does not go away by itself, it needs to be treated. first of all, start enjoying life.

what I do is start another script that I'm passionate about. we all understand about depression, which is a serious condition. the general idea about how to defeat it, is not to let it run your life. you have to be in charge of it. I have faith in you, my friend, to continue with what you is passionate about. writing your script.

Antidepressants can make a big difference. Many people do not want to take them because they feel stigmatized. However, why should you suffer if you do not need to suffer? If a person has diabetes they usually do not balk at taking insulin, etc. for the diabetes. Depression is no different. Good Luck. Hope you feel better.

Josiah Bhola Hillaire I agree with others that reaching out is a good thing. It means you are brave yet humble. If something triggered your state of depression, know that it happens to all of us and that you're not alone. You also did NOTHING to deserve it and it's not your fault. This will not remain but instead be temporary. I would also add that your writing, vocation, job, whatever you're "doing" is not the sum of your identity. The awesome person that you are at your core is who you really are. The person that loves your friends and family. The person that recognizes what friendship looks like. That is who you are. The rest is a byproduct of who that person is. He is what will move you past this. Once you recognize that, you've already won.

You are not alone, Josiah. I suffer from Schizoaffective Disorder which is spurs depression at times. I have been battling it for over 20 years and am generally in a good place now. What I do is try multiple things, each little bit helps keep the demons at bay, medicine, seasonal depression lamps, music, writing can be therapy, play video games to keep my mind off things, exercise is good as is eating healthy. Every little bit helps. If you ever need help, feel free to message me. Break the stigma!!

This may sound strange, Josiah, but I use my writing to forge through depression. After years of trying to get into the “right” headspace/mood to create, I’ve since discovered that some of my best work happens when I am feeling my worst, and this often acts as the best antidepressant. Thanks for reaching out! Remember that the world needs your unique voice. No one on earth can tell it like you!

Coming from someone who went through depression and has studied it- It can be a vicious cycle. In truth it’s a continuous notion of doubt and confusion. To break out you need to seek help from others. Not just from those who love you but also from a doctor or psychiatrist.

As far as writing don’t give up on it. Share your work and get feedback. If you have writers block then take a break. Find what inspires you and what your influences are.

It took me a long time to sell over 350 books. And it didn’t come easy.

Hi Josiah - it’s a pleasure to be connected with you here. You are brave to share this and always know that you are not alone. Stay strong and keep writing. Also - this may be helpful for you - don’t want to come across as if I’m selling anything here - just want to recommend you take a look at this upcoming webinar Stage 32 is hosting on mindfulness for creatives. There may be some insight in this that can be helpful: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Seven-Steps-to-Mindfulness-for-Creatives

Josiah...it's a sad facet of this business and I can empathize with your situation. Back in 1987 during my first screenwriting career, I had a potential $2 million deal with then Orion Pictures blow up in my face. I went catatonic and stayed there for two years. Because I had a family and responsibilities, I fought my way out of it. That's the key. Find something or someone else in your life that make it worth living.

Terrific advice, everyone. Josiah Bhola Hillaire, one thing you can do is continue reaching out to the community for help, encouragement, and laughs. :) I think those things will help you get through depression to write and do other things.

Hi Josiah, I know this will sound strange coming from someone who's never met you besides at the community, but I already knew that you were having some kind of physical problem. I saw you have physical problems in my Spirit some time ago. Anyway, I wish you blessings in pursuing your dreams.

Hi Josiah, I try to use wherever I am emotionally or spiritually in what I do. If I'm depressed, I let it in and use it in writing. Often, doing that makes me feel better than pretending that I'm not down and writing in an upbeat or different tone. Or allow yourself 30 minutes of journaling time to vent some of the down or dark things and separate that from specific goals you give yourself for writing. Make tangible achievable small goals. Even if its name one character, write one paragraph, edit one page. And if it's a serious depression be sure to take care of yourself. Try counseling or group counseling. Talk to your doctor if you have one or look for the local services in your community.

Josiah, let’s not conflate these things.

Firstly, depression is a medical issue that you MUST seek medical assistance with. DO NOT rely on use for medical advice and support. As much as I have faith in this community, health is not what we do, see professionals. My wife the strongest person I know has struggled with depression to the point where she has attempted suicide. Get MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

It has nothing to do with writing. Get your health fixed. Then the second piece of advice will help.

After you are healthy. Think of people and write about them. Don’t think of a setting or a story. Just a simple explanation of a people and what they are doing. This will get the gears oiled and ready to work.

@Josiah Sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch. I agree with @Maurice the community is here for you albeit you need also speak to a health professional if how you feel keeps you in bed. Depression has different causes, you need pin point the right path to navigate it. @Niki gave good advice to write in very small doses. Use the thoughts & feelings from within yourself as a tool for expression. Utilise the experience of a bad moment instead of recoiling from it in dread. Birth a new fascinating character in any story world you wish and write your own inner dialogue through this avatar. You are the creator, nothing can stop that or take that away from you. Depression robs energy & depletes will power yet there is always the seed inside you for your art to take on new or unexpected forms.

Josiah,

moderate exercise is the best medicine for depression. Go for a long walk every day. A wooded path is wonderful, but city and suburb streets as well as a track will do. Regular aerobic exercise is as effective as anti-depressants, and the walking frees the mind and soul for the creative process of writing My email is mrphyjammusashi@yahoo.com. If you need someone to communicate with, do not hesitate to contact me. Keep fighting! https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/walk-away-blues

Hi Josiah. Reading replies like you because just like you I've been battling depression for the past 2 year till now. So I read the comments to get helpful tips. Unlike you, my current location with my family is making it worse (and as a victim of childhood trauma receiving little love and support from family in some aspects of my life, I can't share it with my family because they wouldn't listen). I celebrate my achievements alone as well as my disappointments all in a low key (to myself. Which has affected my ability to share wins or disappointments with people).At a point I am all strong making progress only to retrogress. but I have fought and keep fighting depression and I won't stop. I encourage you to do same. I hope some of the helpful tips responded here be of good in battling depression. And do not forget that, I am a victim of depression who wants you to survive it as I am surviving. I love you! Keep fighting. The world will need your talents in the film industry.

Hi Josiah - please know, you have a whole community here for you, supporting you, listening to you, and cheering for you! I hope you can feel the energy from around the world that is lifting you up. :)

Thank you Shellie Schmals and everyone so much. I’m never gonna stop writing. I’m still writing.

@MauriceVaughn thank you

I suffered from depression myself. Personally, it helped me to write, I was able to connect better with the characters and their emotions. That's why I would advise you to use your pain as power. But while writing is important to us, there is nothing more important than mental health, so take the time to heal yourself, I promise it will get better. So if sometimes you can't write because you feel depressed, that's okay. Don't be too hard on yourself. There are other things besides writing that define your worth.

I hope you'll get better soon.

Jelica Zdravkovic I can relate. Wrote a dark comedy script about my experiences with depression.

Hi Josiah, I am thinking of you and sending out peace, positivity and love.

You're welcome, Josiah Bhola Hillaire.

Josiah, thank you so doggone much for opening up.

I'm a little bit like Cheryl in that writing helps me get through the times when I feel depressed. (For instance, "Intervention!" was written at a time when my factory job and company leaders' antics were getting me down...along with issues among relatives and fellow churchmembers.)

Keep right on fighting. You've got a lot of GREAT things going for you.

So darn glad you're part of the Stage 32 community...and here's wishing you all the VERY BEST.

Josiah: I'm much older than you, and I'm a creative that speaks from experience. I've been through many things that I won't bore folks with. What I will say is that forward motion is what keeps me positive. That means I spend time writing, exercising, and trying to produce positive results. Start by getting up, cleaning your house, and then taking a walk or a bike ride. Also, keep your diet healthy and get your physical condition ready to support doing things that move your life forward. God bless you, and I hope you feel better soon.

Writing helps me get through my depression. I would even say write about the things that bother you. Stories centered around your experiences can be cathartic and also some of your best work may emerge because you are writing about something you personally know. Those stories becomes so powerful because other people who know your struggle will easily identify with your story. Check out the blog "write what you know" https://www.stage32.com/blog/write-what-you-know-318 I remember this qoute from it that was so useful "Now as I said before, it can sometimes be a daunting task to get this honest with yourself, but that’s what makes your story sell and be engaging. It makes it authentic, and to do it any other way is what people describe as cheesy or shallow. I’m sure there have been times that you have sat in a movie theatre or flipped through channels where you started to roll your eyes because you just didn’t feel anything. Well now hopefully you know why." ~ Jairo Alvardo

Thank you @KevinJackson and everyone here

I know many people are against it, but often, medication & talk therapy can help. Try to find help in FB groups with your ailment, if you have one, or depression groups in general. Talk to others and PCP to get local recommendations for specialist in your area. A lot can also be done with just Zoom appts. now.