Jim Carrey gives a new and profound perspective on the meaning of depression
After many years under the spotlight, Jim Carrey has realized that it is pointless to spend your whole life working on a specific identity for yourself.
According to him, wanting to matter and to be important is nothing but ego. In truth, this can only bring you pain and suffering for three reasons.
- Firstly, it can make you believe that nothing is ever supposed to change – that you are not supposed to change.
- Secondly, it can cause you to separate from any other person who dishonors your inherent nature.
- And finally, it can force you away from existing in your own goodness, because it can make you feel as if the way you are is not enough.
The antidote to such pain, however, is to let go of the need to “matter.” According to the actor, you should let go of trying to maintain an image of self-importance if you wish to truly be whole.
He additionally explains that the key difference between depression and sadness is that depression comes from happenstance – whatever you did or did not go through. Depression is also your own body saying “I can no longer keep this up.” and “I don’t want to be this character anymore.” It just overloads your system.
You may be wise to think of the word “depressed” as “deep rest.” As a matter of fact, your body should be depressed. It does require resting deeply in order to shed the skin of the character you have been trying to play.
So, give yourself a break every once in a while, and ease into letting go of the identity you have created for yourself. In order to be happy, you should live with an open heart and a sense of humor about yourself and the world around you, because in the words of Carrey, none of it matters anyway.
The actor states that it’s a comforting thought that he does not suffer from depression.
He is surrounded by elation, sadness, satisfaction, gratitude, and joy beyond belief. But all of that is just part of the weather of our experience and it naturally spins around the planet. He does not let it sit on him long enough to end him.
Check out Jim Carrey sharing his thoughts about depression in the video below and let us know what you think on the subject in the comment section.