Dr Sue Black OBE, a prominent figure in technology, shares a deeply personal account of life with mental illness.
Despite a successful career, Black’s experiences reveal the challenges of managing depression amidst personal and professional responsibilities.
A Profound Personal Journey
Dr Sue Black OBE, renowned for her contributions to technology and advocacy for women in tech, openly shares her personal battles with depression. Her journey is marked by significant losses, beginning with the death of her mother at age 12 and later the tragic suicide of her brother. These events served as triggers for her mental health struggles. Despite her public image of vitality, Black has faced dark periods that required professional help to navigate.
Navigating the Darkness
The loss of close family members left Black grappling with profound emotional pain.
She described a period where she felt engulfed by a “dark bottomless pit,” an experience so overwhelming that it led her to seek time off from work. It was during this time that she turned to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which played a crucial role in helping her cope with her emotions and find her way back to mental well-being.
CBT has been instrumental in Black’s recovery, offering her tools to understand and manage her emotions effectively. She credits the therapy with providing a metaphorical “rope ladder” to climb out of despair and into the light. For Black, CBT became a turning point, shedding light on how to manage her thoughts and feelings, empowering her to reclaim her life.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
After overcoming one crisis, Black was confronted with another when her best friend, Hazel, was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. This period was especially challenging as it tested her resilience once more. Black found it difficult to perform daily activities and maintained her strength primarily through the support of loved ones, family, and friends.
The emotional toll was profound, as she often felt completely drained. Hazel’s death was another significant blow that reignited Black’s depression, yet she remarkably found a way to keep going through the support system surrounding her. Therapy once again proved to be a valuable resource, guiding her back from the brink of despair and restoring a sense of hope.
Understanding Depression’s Triggers
Black acknowledges that depression has been a recurring aspect of her life, particularly following the deaths of friends or relatives. Her experiences with mental illness have taught her to recognise the signs and triggers of her depression.
In an effort to prevent episodes of depression, she reduces stress by engaging in activities she enjoys, such as spending time with her children or planning vacations. This proactive approach allows her to manage her mental health more effectively. Understanding that depression may intermittently return, Black accepts it as part of her life, rather than an anomaly, and uses these signs as reminders to care for herself.
Normalising Mental Health Conversations
Through her candid discussion of mental health, Black emphasises the normalcy of experiencing depression, especially in the context of loss. Her workplace psychologist affirmed that her reactions were entirely normal under such circumstances, challenging the stigma often associated with mental illness.
Dr Black’s transparency about her mental health journey serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to seek help and validate their own experiences with depression. By sharing her story, she fosters greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, promoting a culture where individuals feel empowered to discuss these concerns openly.
Balancing Professional Achievements and Mental Well-being
Dr Black’s career is a testament to her resilience, as she has achieved remarkable milestones while managing her mental health. From saving Bletchley Park to founding #techmums, her contributions are significant.
Despite these accomplishments, she acknowledges the importance of balancing professional demands with personal well-being. Overworking, she recognises, can exacerbate her depression, prompting her to prioritise self-care. This balance is essential to sustaining her success and well-being.
By understanding her mental health needs, Black continues to excel in her field while maintaining her personal health.
A Lifelong Journey
Living with depression is an ongoing journey for Dr Sue Black, and she has learned to adapt over time. She encourages listening to one’s own needs and allowing oneself the grace to step back when necessary.
The journey of coping with mental illness is deeply personal and continues to evolve as circumstances change. Through awareness and self-compassion, Black navigates the complexities of depression, representing a model of strength and perseverance for others facing similar challenges.
Dr Black’s story highlights the importance of addressing mental health openly.
Her resilience and proactive approach to managing depression provide hope and guidance to others facing similar trials.