Real Life: Depression
When you feel numb instead of sad
In this honest Real Life conversation, Venessa Scott speaks with writer Britt Marie Box and Clinical Psychologist Justin Stephenson about how depression gradually took away Britt’s joy and affected the way she experienced herself, her relationships and the world around her.
What it feels like behind the mask
Chronic depression can affect sleep, appetite, concentration, motivation, weight and the ability to experience joy, while also causing emotional disconnection, self-criticism and overwhelming feelings. Learn more in this episode with blogger Lucy Howard and Counselling Psychologist Dr Nzinga Akinshegun-Impey.
Meet the participants
Venessa Scott
Venessa presents these Real Life episodes, guiding the conversation between our lived experience experts and specialist clinicians, asking the questions that often don't get answered.
Britt Marie Box
Britt Marie Box is a writer, author and content creator who speaks openly about mental health, creativity and the realities of everyday life. Through her writing, TEDx talk and podcasting, she brings a candid and relatable perspective to conversations about emotional wellbeing. We chose Britt because her warmth, strength and honesty help give people language for experiences that are often difficult to explain, including numbness, anger, guilt and loss of joy. She brings humanity and connection to the subject while challenging the assumption that depression always looks like sadness.
Justin Stephenson
Justin Stephenson is a Clinical Psychologist working with adults. He is an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), with extensive experience across both NHS and private healthcare settings.
Lucy Howard
Lucy Howard is a book blogger and mental health advocate who speaks openly about living with chronic depression and anxiety, recovery and finding hope in everyday life. We chose Lucy because she shares her experience with gentleness, honesty and quiet strength. Her calm and thoughtful storytelling helps people recognise less visible experiences of depression, including masking, disconnection and parenting while unwell, without simplifying how complex those experiences can be.
Nzinga Akinshegun‑Impey
Nzinga Akinshegun-Impey, or Zing, is a Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Her professional background includes working within the NHS, where she assessed and treated people with a range of mental health needs.
More Real Life episodes
Lived experience. Clinical insight. Practical support. We have episodes about ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and eating disorders.
Depression test
This short online test explores common depression symptoms and how they might be impacting you day to day.
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