BBC
In a powerful personal account, Fergal Keane reflects on living with PTSD, depression, and his search for balance in life. What he has discovered along the way is a deeper study of happiness that can apply to those with serious mental health challenges, but also to those simply in need of a lift.
Unlocking the ‘Lightness of Being’
Almost two years ago, Fergal Keane experienced a profound shift while walking with a loved one on Curragh beach in Ardmore, County Waterford. The serene moment was punctuated by the sound of Brent geese sweeping by, prompting a light-hearted feeling of gratitude and well-being. This experience resonated with Milan Kundera’s concept of the “lightness of being,” a momentary escape from the heaviness of life’s challenges.
Fergal Keane
The Weight of Blue Monday and the Quest for Happiness
The concept of Blue Monday—a typically gloomy day post-holiday—inspired Keane to delve into the concept of happiness. He reflects on the relatable struggle with clinical depression and PTSD, noting that feelings of sadness can occur at any time, often overturning the most beautiful of days.
Keane’s journey began with a deeply personal breakdown in March 2023, an exhaustive internal battle that lasted years. Severe clinical depression, alcoholism, and PTSD haunted him, leaving him mentally and emotionally drained.
