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Lee and Simon continue their conversation with Matthew Onarheim-Smith about his experiences of depression.

Apologies for Simon's mic level.

Things covered: Agency and depression, ketamine treatment (not officially approved for depression), the patterns of depression, combined with talk therapy, failure, shame and hope, Thich Naht Hahn and hope, out of body experiences, living with depression (or chronic pain), acceptance, Uroskolen, bringing yourself to the feelings you want to run away from, the narratives we tell ourselves, not being our thoughts, others hearing our stories, buying into our personal stories, seeking help, interbeing, despair that is shared, not knowing the feeling (of depression), seeking solitude, Matthew's generosity and gentility, how best to help, more on seeking help.
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Related links (and necessary corrections):

• coping with depression: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/cope-with-depression/
• Self-care for depression: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/self-care/
• Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression
• men and depression: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health
• Matthew's "Moving Dad" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@amovingdad1310
• Matthew's "Moving Dad" Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/amovingdad
• Uroskolen https://www.uroskolen.no/

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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Lee and Simon bring on their first ever (official) guest – Matthew Onarheim-Smith – to talk about his experiences of depression.

Apologies for Simon's mic level.

Things covered: Introducing Matthew Onarheim-Smith, Quick by Shona McCullagh, annoying songs, driving with Simon, flirting with depression, entering the conversation with a plan of what to discuss, having a relationship with depression, not feeling good and recognising something is wrong, sound trauma in Vienna, tinnitus, stress as a destabiliser, feeling free, the sensation of depression, thought loops and identifying with those thoughts, Uroskolen (the angst school), courage in discussing depression, shame and stigma, gender and shame, Lee making ginger-bread and going to bed early, Trevor Noah, ADHD and being raised by women, Bette Midler and talking about me, resistance to discussing depression, suicidal ideation, NZ men, dance as a place inhabited mostly by women, men bonding by sharing an activity, showing weaknesses and flaws, dancing for Shona Dunlop-McTavish (and the fertility dance), the feeling of talking about depression.

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Related links (and necessary corrections):

• coping with depression: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/cope-with-depression/
• Self-care for depression: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/self-care/
• Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression
• men and depression: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health
• Matthew's "Moving Dad" YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@amovingdad1310
• Matthew's "Moving Dad" Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/amovingdad
• Uroskolen https://www.uroskolen.no/

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Send us a text

Lee and Simon catch up a bit before Lee discusses having his testicles scanned. Yes. Scanned.

Things covered: Waking up from a nap, staying up late, snow on the ground, 2025, Lee has visitors from Alice Springs, the size of Alice Springs, Alice Sings (a choir), Simon spoiling a surprise party, baby in the house, Lee's nextdoor neighbour Jill, time keeps on ticking, Lee has a lump on his testicles and had them scanned, man-sized tissues, the NHS, Finn needs to check his balls (men aged 17-35), Lil makes an appearance, testicular cancer, the machinations of a testicular scan, superficial lumps, Lee's history with problematic balls, epididymitis, varicocele, making jokes when anxious, Lee is fine, self-diagnosis, epididymal cyst, the diagnosis, manual palpation, hospital in Ashburton, who we turn to or call when we are sick (and/or scared).

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at info@midlifing.net.

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)