In his memoir "Darkness Visible," William Styron articulates the deep and insidious nature of depression, comparing it to a gray drizzle of horror. This feeling manifests as a form of pain that is distinct from physical injuries; instead, it resembles a psychological torment that enshrouds the sufferer. He likens despair to being trapped in an overly hot room, a situation that evokes a sense of helplessness and discomfort, which can lead one to contemplate escape through annihilation.

Styron emphasizes the pervasive despair experienced in depression, suggesting that the mind's illness distorts reality and makes suffering feel overwhelming. The oppressive nature of such a state leaves individuals feeling isolated and desperate for relief, yet they often see no viable way out. This metaphor of confinement in a stifling environment illustrates the struggle and darkness that accompanies mental illness, revealing the profound despair that can drive one to seek oblivion as a form of release.