He struggles for a time until drawn out by Help. The Slough of Despond is a good name for the Six of Swords. Sometimes this card represents a dull, listless state.
Nothing is seriously wrong, but nothing is really right either.
You're getting by, but not thriving. In the picture the figures in the boat seem sad and disengaged. Life is indeed uninteresting when we feel the blues. In a more positive vein, the Six of Swords can indicate recovery. This is especially true when you have just experienced a tough time or psychological blow.