Facing The Void: Working with
Depression

Depression is one of the most deeply challenging human experiences. For many, it’s not just a feeling of sadness but a profound sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or disconnection that can seem to pervade every aspect of life. Many understand how heavy this burden can feel. Depression often makes the simplest tasks seem impossible, turning even getting out of bed into a monumental challenge. It can sap joy from experiences that once brought happiness and create a sense of isolation, making people feel as if no one else could possibly understand what they’re going through.

It’s important to acknowledge that depression is not a fleeting sadness or a temporary low mood; it’s a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The depth of depression varies from person to person, but whether it’s mild or severe, we are here to offer support and tools to help you walk through this journey.

Depression exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild, persistent feelings of sadness to deep, immobilizing despair. At the mild end, it might manifest as a feeling of being “stuck” or a lack of motivation and energy. Tasks that used to be easy might feel like a struggle, and there’s often a pervasive sense that life is somehow muted. Colors seem less vibrant, experiences feel less fulfilling, and it becomes hard to remember what it felt like to truly enjoy something.

On the more severe end of the spectrum, depression can feel like being trapped in a deep, dark hole with no way out. There may be an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. At this level, depression can make it feel as though life has lost all meaning, and the idea of feeling better seems impossible. This is the reality for many people living with depression, and it’s important to recognize that each individual’s experience is valid and real, no matter where they fall on this spectrum.

Depression is not just an emotional state; it’s often accompanied by a profound sense of confusion. Many people struggling with depression think it is their fault or wonder what is wrong with them. These are natural questions, but they often contribute to a sense of self-blame that worsens the depression. People may feel as though they are broken or defective, further isolating them from the support they need.

We believe it’s crucial to validate these feelings of confusion while offering an alternative perspective. Depression doesn’t mean you’re broken. It’s not a flaw in your character or a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a response to internal or external challenges—be they past traumas, ongoing life stressors, or unresolved emotional wounds. Understanding the root causes of depression can be the first step toward healing.

Depression also tends to isolate people. It creates a veil of disconnection, making it hard to reach out for help, even when support is available. The loneliness that often accompanies depression can make it feel like no one else could possibly understand what you’re going through. But at Volo, we want you to know: you are not alone. There are millions of people who share your experience, and while depression can make you feel disconnected, there is hope for reconnection and healing.

One of the most important steps in addressing depression is to normalize the experience. Depression is not uncommon. In fact, it is one of the most prevalent mental health issues globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. In the United States alone, over 17 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year. These numbers highlight the fact that depression is not a personal failing but a widespread mental health challenge affecting people from all walks of life.

Moreover, research shows that nearly 1 in 5 people will experience depression at some point in their lives. This means that even if you feel isolated in your struggle, you are not alone. Depression is not a unique affliction but a shared experience that touches millions of lives. Understanding this can help reduce the stigma surrounding depression and encourage more people to seek help.

At Volo, we offer a different approach to depression—one that moves away from viewing it as a problem that needs to be “fixed” and instead sees it as a signal that something inside is asking for attention. Depression, much like anxiety, can serve as an important messenger, alerting us to deeper emotional or psychological wounds that need healing.

Often, depression is a response to unresolved pain or unmet needs. It can stem from past traumas, difficult life events, or deeply held belief systems that no longer serve us. These emotional undercurrents can create a sense of disconnection from ourselves and the world around us, leading to feelings of numbness, despair, and hopelessness. Depression, in this sense, is not the problem itself but rather a reflection of something deeper that needs to be understood and addressed.

The challenge can be the power of depression. How can we find the signal or the message when under such a terrible weight? The answer is it is a delicate process, filled with gentleness and compassion and carefully done. Each person’s journey is unique but if we can begin to shift from the idea that something is just wrong with us or ‘broken’ within us toward an understanding that nothing is broken, but the system is responding in the best way it knows how to to cope with what is going on underneath, we begin to open a new door. Depression often signals a shutdown of the human self as a protective means of shielding you from something that we believe may otherwise be unbearable or could cause even more harm. It is a system working as it should despite the pain of it. And while medication can always help in cases where the depression is particularly challenging the work remains to venture within and understand the causes.

One of the most difficult aspects of depression is the overwhelming sense of disconnection that often accompanies it. People with depression frequently report feeling cut off from themselves, their loved ones, and the world at large. At Volo, we believe that healing from depression involves rebuilding these connections—both with oneself and with others.

Instead of pushing depression away or trying to ignore it, we encourage individuals to engage with it in a new way. Depression, as painful as it is, can offer valuable insights into the parts of ourselves that need care and attention. As we have said in other places, just as physical pain alerts us to injury, depression can alert us to emotional wounds that require healing. By listening to what depression is trying to tell us, we can begin to understand the deeper needs or fears within and make progress to support those parts of the self.

We offer tools and guidance to help individuals develop a new relationship with their depression—one that is based on understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Through this process, individuals can begin to see depression not as an enemy to be defeated but as a guide leading them toward greater self-awareness and healing.

Similar to anxiety, many people who experience depression are also deeply sensitive individuals—people who have a heightened ability to feel and perceive the world around them. This sensitivity is often a gift, allowing these individuals to experience the beauty and wonder of life in profound ways. However, when this sensitivity is exposed to trauma, neglect, or abuse, it can become overwhelming. The same sensitivity that once allowed someone to feel deeply connected to the world can, in the face of pain, turn inward, amplifying feelings of sadness, despair, and isolation. In fact, it can often be the size of the reaction to our abandonment, neglect or trauma that feels so powerful that the depression comes as a defense against the unbearable.

We recognize the connection between sensitivity and depression. We believe that by understanding this sensitivity as a gift, individuals can begin to see their depression in a new light. Rather than viewing it as a flaw or a sign of weakness, they can start to appreciate the depth of their emotional experience.

At Volo, we guide individuals gently through this process of healing from depression. We provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can explore their depression, understand its root causes, and begin to develop a new relationship with it. Our approach is not about “curing” depression but about helping individuals understand what their depression is trying to tell them and how they can use this understanding to move toward healing.

We offer a variety of tools, resources, and content to support individuals on this journey. From educational materials that explain the psychology and neuroscience of depression to practical tools that help individuals apply these concepts to their own lives, we provide a comprehensive program designed to meet people where they are. Our goal is to empower individuals to take an active role in their healing process, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to build a healthier relationship with their depression.