Depression affects millions of us, and while we are slowly opening up about mental health issues and beginning to banish the stigma that surrounds them, it is critically important to keep open the conversation to foster understanding and empathy for those who may be dealing with depression.
Sarah Schuster is the mental illness and health editor at The Mighty, and she decided to find out the signs of depression that other people can't see.
“While most people imagine depression symptoms equals 'really sad,' unless you’ve experienced depression yourself, you might not know it goes so much deeper than that,” she writes. “Living with depression varies a lot, with some signs more obvious than others. While some people have a hard time getting out of bed, others might get to work just fine — it’s different for everyone.”
Asking community members on The Mighty Facebook page the question: “What's something people don't realize you're doing because you live with depression?” The response was eye-opening. Below is a list of some of the things that people had to say. Scroll down to check it out.
#1
Struggle to get out of bed, sometimes for hours. Then just the thought of taking a shower is exhausting. If I manage to do that, I am ready for a nap. People don't understand, but anxiety amd depression is exhausting, much like an actual physical fight with a professional boxer.
Juli Jenkins
Report163points
#2
Going to bed at 9 pm and sleeping throughout the night until 10 or 11 am. Then getting out of bed is the hard part. Showering is also a struggle. Trying to keep the house tidy. Watching hours upon hours of Netflix but not even interested in what I'm watching because nothing really interests me anymore.
Karissa Dieduh
Report133points
#3
I don't like talking on the phone. I prefer to text. Less pressure there.
Also being anti-social. Not because I don't like being around people, but because I'm pretty sure everyone can't stand me.
Also being anti-social. Not because I don't like being around people, but because I'm pretty sure everyone can't stand me.
Meghan Bricka
Report132points
#4
I can deal with depression, I can't deal with people who say "we all get sad at times, get over it" "I'm depressed too, I get on with my life" depression isn't the same for everyone. I'm glad some people can cope easier but I can't.
Report
132points
#5
Agreeing to social plans but canceling last minute. Using an excuse but really you just chickened out. It makes you think that your friends don't actually want to see you, they just feel bad. Obligation.
Brynne LaRiccia
Report125points
#6
Sometimes I'll forget to eat all day. I can feel my stomach growling but don't have the willpower to get up and make something to eat
Kenzi Ihrcke
Report117points
#7
Hiding in my phone. Yes, I am addicted to it, but not like other people. I don't socialize, I play games or browse online stores to distract myself from my negative thoughts. It's my safe bubble.
Eveline Landheer
Report107points
#8
In social situations, some people don't realize I withdraw or don't speak much because of depression. Instead, they think I'm being rude or purposefully antisocial.
Laura Barton
Report104points
#9
Say that I'm tired or don't feel good all of the time. They don't realize how much depression can affect you physically as well as emotionally. I have a hard time finding energy when I'm in a depressive cycle. That means I don't stay on top of stuff & let things slide (like house work) because I use all of my energy for what absolutely has to be done. Then I have none left for anything else. When I'm depressed, we eat out more, my house chores fall behind, & I binge watch TV or read to escape. But the energy, that's just gone.
Lauren Geiselman
Report98points
#10
I used to live with depression. People didn't seem to notice it because I was always smiling while talking to them and making jokes which made my personality look bright and joyful, while I was actually dark inside, full of sadness and lost hope.
Ilinca Neagu
Report77points
#11
Purposely working on the holidays so I can avoid spending time with family. it's overwhelming to be around them and to talk about the future and life so I avoid it.
Aislinn Siobhan Gressler
Report69points
#12
People think I'm lazy and a freerider because I haven't had a job since leaving uni. They don't realise that I want to work more than anything, but have an endless stream of negativity constantly running through my head that terrifies me out of even printing out an application form.
Lydia Alexandra
Report65points
#13
Isolating myself, not living up to my potential at work due to lack of interest in anything, making self-deprecating jokes. I've said many times before, "I laugh, so that I don't cry."
Unfortunately, it's all too true
Unfortunately, it's all too true
Kelly Kile
Report63points
#14
Depression to me was like having an evil person as my puppet master telling me that I will feel no joy, have no desire, have no energy, no appetite, no light. Like something steals your soul. Until you have experienced it, you will not understand it. I wouldn't wish this feeling on my worst enemy.
Report
61points
#15
Being angry, mean or rude to people I love without realizing it in the moment. I realize my actions and words later and feel awful that I had taken out my anger on people who don't deserve it
Christie Cullen
Report60points
#16
For me, specifically the things I wish people would realise are due to my depression are my apparent "laziness", virtually not keeping in touch with anyone, bad personal hygiene, and extremely bad reactions to seemingly trivial things.
Jenny Bromfield
Report57points
#17
Neglecting to do basic things like laundry, not wanting to cook a meal or eat. They think I’m being lazy.
Report
51points
#18
Fighting day to day with not wanting to give up and trying to show myself my own self worth.
When I reach out when I'm depressed its cause I am wanting to have someone to tell me I'm not alone. Not cause I want attention.
Tina Bellamy
Report47points
#19
I just sit all day, getting up only to use the bathroom. My chair is also my bed. I have a bed, but i just stay in my chair. I don't sleep well, and I eat very little. The TV is on, but I may or may not be watching. I just sit.
Kate Siminoe
Report44points

