In pondering the diversity of psychological landscapes, I developed an analogy that seems quite apt and suitable.

In part: Just because your mental sea is the North Atlantic doesn’t mean you will hit an iceberg.

Mental Seas and Icebergs

I had the thought that mental illnesses and other concerns – depression, bipolar disorder, and so forth – are very much like icebergs. The part that can be seen is only a minor feature of the condition, what is “visible above the waves.”

What is hidden beneath can be massive and do damage that can sink the mightiest ship.

Then I thought about where icebergs happen …

Just as most people may never have to experience an adverse mental state that affects them significantly, most of the planet’s oceans are ice-free.

Also, many ships pass through the northern seas – where icebergs can be found – without ever coming near the danger.

So it seems to me that some people have a southern sea mentality – no icebergs in sight.

Some have a northern sea, and strike an iceberg, or more than one.

And some who have northern seas manage to sail their whole lives without ever encountering the troubles that can lurk just beneath the surface.