So you’re sad all the time and don’t want to do stuff. It’s actually way more complicated than that.
Originally appeared at BuzzFeed
1. Most of the things people will say to help you are profoundly and dangerously unhelpful.
Thanks to a plethora of misinformation about what depression actually is, people often seem to think that saying things like “just be happier,” “don’t be depressed,” and “just try harder” are legitimate pieces of advice. They are not.
2. It physically hurts.
In the human body’s least amusing attempt at metaphor, many depressed people report physical symptoms like muscle ache, joint pain, and stabbing sensations in the chest. If you are depressed and feeling pain, check with your doctor to discuss possible causes.
3. Some “friends” might ditch you (and that is OK).
Some of your so-called friends won’t know how to be around you and will vanish in the haze. Let them go and keep doing you. It’s the people who stay that will make a difference.
4. You feel like you are absolutely losing your mind.
Depression is a shape-shifting mental disorder; it co-manifests with panic attacks, compulsive thoughts and habits, social phobia, and any number of other issues. Remember that you are not “crazy.” You are sick and you can get better.
5. Everything will start to annoy you. Even you will start to annoy you.
Irritability is a symptom of depression that doesn’t get enough attention. Feeling grumpy is just a part of the process, and you shouldn’t be made to feel bad about it.
6. Depression will make you feel that you are alone. You are not alone.
If you need information on depression or want to talk about your depression, you can call the Crisis Call Center at any time of the day. Their national number is 1-800-273-8255 and all calls are free of charge.
If you don’t like talking on the phone but still want to be heard, forums like the Reddit boards r/depression and r/anxiety have strong communities of people who may be working through an illness similar to yours.
For 15 more things nobody tells you about being depressed, and more ways of reaching out for help if you need it, visit BuzzFeed.
My Mom called me one day and asked me what I was doing. I told her I was sitting in the dark by myself.
She said ” you think you’re alone don’t you? Well you are not. I am there with you”.
From that day I wrote down every morning ” i am not alone”. It remeined me that I wasn’t.
Thanks good reminder. We aren’t alone.