Despair and Hope. Opposite sides of the same coin. What is despair? Is it normal and natural, or a sign of poor mental health and something that should be ‘cured’?

Can despair be appropriate and even, sometimes, useful?  What about hope? Is it a bright shiny jewel that helps us through tough times, or dreamy escapism?

Does hope that things will improve sustain us in the tough times, or is it just a way of avoiding reality ?

If you have any questions or comments email Ian and James at [email protected] . Let them know any other topics you’d like them to cover.

To find out more about depression and support services you can contact Head to Health at www.headtohealth.gov.au  Beyond Blue at www.beyondblue.org.au , Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au or on 13 11 14 and www.headspace.org.au. Thanks to Future Generation Global.