One of my favorite movies is the 1986 musical film “Little Shop of Horrors”. I couldn’t honestly tell you why I like it so much, but then again, just like most of the things I like, I just do. If you haven’t seen the film, not only are you missing out but this post might seem…odd.
The Film (In Case You Haven’t Seen It)
Here’s what you need to know: Seymour Krelborn is a lonely, insecure florist shop worker who discovers an unusual plant. He names it Audrey II (after his coworker crush). At first, the plant seems harmless—even helpful. It draws customers to the struggling shop and gives Seymour something to care for.
But there’s a catch: Audrey II feeds on blood.
What starts as a few drops from Seymour’s finger escalates. The plant grows larger and more demanding. It begins to talk, manipulate, and eventually convince Seymour to do terrible things—all while promising him success, love, and everything he’s ever wanted.
Seymour gets what he thinks he wants (fame, Audrey’s affection, respect), but he’s also completely trapped. The plant has taken over. By the time Seymour realizes what’s happening and tries to fight back, Audrey II is massive, aggressive, and not going anywhere without a battle.
It’s a dark comedy with catchy songs. And Audrey II is a perfect picture of the beast we call depression.
Seymour is sad, lonely, and has no self-confidence. He’s an orphan who was taken in by a not-so-great shopkeeper. Audrey II is insidious, conniving, intentional. It lives in Seymour’s space—a constant presence. It preys on Seymour’s hurt and pain. Audrey II starts out friendly and innocent, providing some comfort to Seymour, but all the while, it’s working to convince him that he is nothing and will always be nothing. Audrey II begins to manipulate Seymour to do its bidding (which entails luring people to the shop for Audrey II to eat). Audrey II grows stronger and Seymour continues to lose himself. Until one day, he starts to see the truth about Audrey II, about himself—and he fights back.
Audrey II has grown strong and doesn’t just go away. It fights Seymour, and fights hard. Audrey II is such a great example of depression. Depression is just as insidious, conniving, and intentional. It lives with us, it knows our secrets, it knows our hurts, it knows how to manipulate us. Depression shows up innocent enough, quiet, and even sometimes a comfort. But it grows and starts to use lies and distortions to convince us that we aren’t loveable, that life is hopeless, that we will never be more than what it says we are. As we get sucked into believing its lies, it grows stronger and larger. Just like Audrey II has vines that expand out, depression branches out to other areas of our lives, and then one day we realize how much it has taken over.
I have seen clients who have lived with their own Audrey II for entire lives. The lies and distortions that depression has fed them have become their truth. Therapy has helped them start to see the truth and begin to fight back. Depression doesn’t give up instantly. No, it fights hard, just like Audrey II. But my clients and I fight harder, and I have seen amazing healing take place.
You may have your own Audrey II that just showed up, or maybe it’s been with you your entire life. You don’t have to fight it alone. For me, therapy isn’t about learning to live with depression—it’s about discovering the truth about yourself and bringing the fight to depression.
Your Audrey II Doesn't Have to Win
If depression has convinced you that you’re nothing, that life is hopeless, or that you’ll never be more than what it says you are—those are lies. Therapy can help you see the truth and fight back. You don’t have to do this alone.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy.