McPhail opens up on despair

Christchurch-based actor and comedy writer David McPhail has revealed he has been treated for clinical depression.

The prominent stage and television actor and creator of the satirical television series A Week of It, McPhail and Gadsby and Letter to Blanchy, said he had decided to speak frankly about his illness as part of his role as an advocate for the telephone counselling agency Lifeline.

"It's a big admission to make, that you're depressed.

"The last thing people want to say is that there's something wrong with their minds.

"I think it is easier to talk to a stranger sometimes because they're not going to be judgmental and say, 'Well, pull yourself together' or 'Get a grip on yourself' as friends are likely to say."

McPhail said he had thought feelings of lethargy and unhappiness were just a normal part of getting older.

He was surprised and relieved when he was diagnosed with clinical depression a few years ago.

McPhail said he had received counselling and takes anti-depressants to combat the illness.

He believes Lifeline plays an essential role in combating depression.

"Clinical depression can be terribly lonely. It can be difficult to communicate to people what you feel, especially people who are very close to you. It can be very isolating.

"I didn't consider using Lifeline but I can imagine people in similar circumstances, who didn't have the support and love of family and friends, would need that voice to talk to."



McPhail said he took on the role of advocate for Lifeline two years ago because he recognised that privacy reasons made it difficult for the organisation to achieve a public profile.

- NZPA