Volunteer discusses life following the experience of defeat against depression through deep brain stimulation.
In this bonus episode of The Deep End, Jon Nelson, formerly battling severe depression, discusses his treatment and the positive changes in his life. Here, you'll hear about the work he's still undertaking, possibly for the rest of his life, and his future plans.
Conversations with Jon Nelson
Laura Sanders: This podcast tackles mental illness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Listen carefully.
Hi listeners, we're diving into your feeds this week with a special bonus episode of The Deep End. Over the past six episodes, you've been privy to some of Jon Nelson's darkest and brightest moments. After undergoing experimental treatment involving brain implants, Jon is sharing his current state and what it's like now that he's free from depression's grip. Let's find out more about his journey.
I called Jon in December of 2024, over two years since his surgery. Here are some highlights of our conversation, including when he talks about reconnecting with another podcast friend, Amanda. Take a listen.
Sanders: Hi, Jon.
Jon: Hey, how are you? How’s everything going?
Sanders: I'm good, thanks. How about you? You good?
Jon: Ah, yes, I'm doing well. Quite a bit happening, but yeah, I'm good.
Sanders: Are you tired of me yet?
Jon: Nah, man, I'm all-in. Always. How’s your family?
Sanders: We’re all good. Holidays are a bit chaotic, but nothing compared to…
Jon: Yeah, holidays are hard. They're harder for me, too, so it's nice that they're less intense now.
I've become friends with Amanda, the artist from New York who went through the same DBS surgery as I did. I reached out to Figee, another podcast friend, and asked her to share my details with Amanda. Surprisingly, she reached out to me right away, and now we're close friends. In fact, she even sent me some of her artwork, and it's beautiful. You know, I wanted it displayed in my kids' rooms.
Sanders: I remember. Which pieces did you choose?
Jon: The subway artwork is my favorite, so it's in my musicians' kids' room. The other piece with the heart is in one of my other kids' room, and I can't remember the third one, but man, it's stunning. Amanda's book about her DBS experience is so inspiring.
Sanders: It is. I used some of her illustrations in our version of her story online. It's amazing.
Jon: We have a monthly support group that I started three years ago, and it's been great for folks dealing with similar issues. We check-in on our mental health, share strategies, and encourage one another. You can just tell, based on people's posture and skin tone, where they are in their journey.
Sanders: What types of things do you talk about in the group?
Jon: We discuss current struggles, coping strategies, and solutions for relatable situations. We also provide emotional support and share our experiences as high-functioning individuals dealing with mental illness.
Sanders: How are you doing now?
Jon: I'm doing great, honestly. I've been in remission for two years, but it's not easy. Dealing with sadness, an ordinary human emotion for everyone, is challenging for me due to my history. It feels like an ongoing battle for me.
Sanders: You described your depression as poison in your body. Do you still feel that poison?
Jon: Not at all. Before my surgery, the worst two symptoms were constant suicidal thoughts and physical deterioration. Now, both are gone. It's still unbelievable and surreal to me.
Sanders: Were there any unexpected changes that came from everything you went through?
Jon: Definitely. After my treatment, I realized I'm living a bonus life. I embrace every opportunity to be raw and pensive, to challenge societal norms about mental illness. The more I'm open about my experiences, the more positive effects I've seen.
Sanders: Has that openness shown up at home with your family?
Jon: Oh yeah. My kids can sense the difference, and they’re happier to have their dad back. I'm able to reconnect with them and create new memories, including a dad-daughter road trip to San Francisco.
Sanders: You're still involved in the research project, right? What does that look like for you now?
Jon: I'm continuing to participate in the clinical trial, which includes weekly video journals, brain scans, and questionnaires. I also meet with the psychiatrists quarterly for check-ins.
Sanders: Is there anything you'd like to add? Maybe something you'd like people to understand about what you've gone through?
Jon: I'd simply say that mental illness can be lethal when seen as a personal failure rather than a medical condition. Show empathy, acknowledge when someone tells you they're struggling, and actively provide support.
Sanders: Thanks again, Jon, for sharing your story with us. Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, reach out to a friend, family member, or the suicide prevention lifeline at 988.
This is The Deep End. I'm Laura Sanders. If you enjoy this podcast, tell your friends. If you really enjoy it, leave us a review. It helps a lot. Send us your questions and comments at podcasts@our website. The Deep End is a production of our organization, based on original reporting by me, Laura Sanders. This episode was produced by Helen Thompson and mixed by Ella Rowen. Our project manager is Ashley Yeager. Nancy Shute is our editor in chief. Our music is by Blue Dot Sessions. The podcast is made possible in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the John S. James and Knight Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, with support from PRX.
- Jon's journey in dealing with his mental health has led him to engage in various activities, such as attending support groups and research projects.
- He has fostered a close friendship with another individual who went through the same Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery as him.
- Discussions in the support group focus on coping strategies, solutions for relatable situations, and sharing experiences as high-functioning individuals dealing with mental illness.
- The positive changes in Jon's life continue to ripple outward, impacting his relationships with his children and creating new memories together.
- In addition to his personal growth, Jon remains involved in the ongoing research project, providing regular updates through video journals, brain scans, and questionnaires.
- Jon acknowledges the importance of recognizing mental illness as a medical condition and encourages empathy and active support for those struggling.
- The conversation with Jon highlights the intersection of mental health with other aspects of life, such as health-and-wellness, lifestyle, relationships, and personal growth.
- By sharing his story openly, Jon aims to challenge societal norms about mental illness and decrease the stigma associated with it.
- Jon's experiences underscore the value of science and research in addressing mental health challenges, as well as the potential role of technology and engineering in medicine, particularly through innovations like DBS. Additionally, his story brings attention to the impact of climate change on mental health and the importance of addressing this issue within broader environmental policies.
