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.
#181
I can't even cry anymore because I used up all my tears. I'm either super apathic or overly emotional. There is no in between. I've pretended to be sick to get out of things because I don't even have the energy or willpower to get up and go to it. I can never sleep, I just stare at the wall all night or get onto my phone. I'm always tired because of it, and I rarely get up to eat. The worst part is, most people don't even know that almost everyday I consider taking my own life. Sometimes people will seem so happy and bubbly, but maybe a bit shy and tired, and no one would think anything of it.
0points
#182
I related to the 1st page too much to read further
0points
#183
My depression is like have no emotion left. Example: ( when you have a cat for 20 years and have to put him down. Normally you would cry right?) I dont feel anything anymore.
0points
#184
People think I am lazy and unmotivated. I'm just exhausted all the time from not sleeping and constantly fighting with my thoughts and emotions. Life is a challenge most everyday, even the simplest things.
0points
#185
I find myself constantly battling with the need of validation from people that I love, while also not wanting to burden them or be needy. My brain is screaming ‘ask him if he likes you!’ and when I inevitably, desperately, insecurely do ask, I realise that no answer will make me feel like it’s true. Instead I’m searching for any sign that the person thinks the opposite - a pause, a sigh, physical distance. I find myself suffocating in a cloud of rejection, that only exists to me.
0points
#186
is there an answer, I have to own my depression as much as I hate it but I make sure now it does not own me, that is hard and I fail a lot. having to make myself get up do things, is an effort but I do it. nothing anyone says can help or make you feel better, sleeping, eating can take over if we let it, I am strong but sometimes this is stronger than me. painful and misunderstood. sometimes for me the front gate is my enemy I just can not get out it, the world is out there,
i get up at a certain time and dress every morning as it is to easy to stay there, not saying I do much some days but I am up and dressed. I distrust people as well so that does not help . my animals are my solace with out them who knows where I would be, I know they are my responsability so I look after them and they keep me going
i get up at a certain time and dress every morning as it is to easy to stay there, not saying I do much some days but I am up and dressed. I distrust people as well so that does not help . my animals are my solace with out them who knows where I would be, I know they are my responsability so I look after them and they keep me going
-1point
#187
Beeing rude and aggressive to others.
The only thing that prevents tears running down my cheeks when I'm in company.
The only thing that prevents tears running down my cheeks when I'm in company.
-1point
#188
Sometimes I get agitated when my friends say they have depression, anxiety, or cut. I have and do all of those things but I don't go around parading about all my problems because I feel that no one would care anyway. I don't want to share about everything because no one will fully understand it. I don't understand it myself.
-1point
#189
I m constantly either working and torturing myself or sleeping too much, sometimes 12-16 hrs coz, I don't wanna go through the conscious thoughts that race through my brain at all times. I Soo much wish I could die, so I could finally have some peace. I don't wanna exist anymore, in any plane whatsoever. And overeating and curling in a ball during my anxiety attacks. And that emptiness and hollow inside, which is Soo much worse than the pain.
-2points
Living with depression can involve complexities that aren't obvious to everyone, much like coping with chronic conditions such as ME/CFS.
Both scenarios showcase the importance of understanding invisible challenges people face daily, encouraging greater empathy and support from the community.