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How would you describe depression?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Came across this image on Twitter recently:
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People living with depression often have a much richer vocabulary for what it feels like. This rarely matches how professionals or society describe depression, as it’s such an individual feeling.
Would you say that depression has one single definition that we can all go by? Or is it a subjective illness that can only be felt by the person experiencing it?
Perhaps you could share your own thoughts or opinions on what depression feels like :chin:
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People living with depression often have a much richer vocabulary for what it feels like. This rarely matches how professionals or society describe depression, as it’s such an individual feeling.
Would you say that depression has one single definition that we can all go by? Or is it a subjective illness that can only be felt by the person experiencing it?
Perhaps you could share your own thoughts or opinions on what depression feels like :chin:
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I dont know if that makes any sense but thats what it feels like to me.
Looking for your own purpose
Then you became a butterfly, a butterfly
I knew you always would''
- James Arthur (YOU)
5% hopelessness
5% self loathing
85% the emotional equivalent of watching paint dry.
There is a little bit of feeling like shit, but mostly there is the feeling of nothing.
Self loathing might be a little higher when I hear others talk, though. I have a great family, a great husband, a really good, well paying job with amazing coworkers (so important, since you spend more time at work than home) but there is nothing. You have a great life, just be happy, they say. Pick yourself up. But there is nothing. It isn't necessary sadness or helplessness. It is just nothing.
@jpeople111 The description of being stuck in a maze makes sense yes :yes:
@Bedtime Bear it sounds like your description is almost like being stripped of any feelings at all?
How about anyone else? Would you describe it differently? :chin:
"Isolation" - recently been wanting to be alone. Sometimes I feel really down and just dont want to be around people (even friends).
I do agree sadness plays a part, but it's so much more- most people who have never experienced it do not understand. It's a viscous cycle, I know that logically but just can't convince myself enough to break that cycle.
Most people don't understand it's not as easy as "looking on the bright side of life"- I'd say don't you think I would have tried that?
I'd also describe it as "loosing a sense of who you are".
Would you say that the ‘bright side’ exists in depression, but it takes great effort to overcome and get there?
When you say ‘losing a sense of who you are’, I think of knowing that you’re you but feeling unable to relate to anything about you or around you – would anyone else agree?
Because I remember all the hours I've spent lying in bed staring at the walls and ceiling thinking that.
I'd also say losing my identity and my sense of appropriate social behaviour. After the longer bout of depression, I was a completely different person to how I was before - I'd say some years on I'm still trying to get back that sense of self I had before.
I think I'd agree, my counsellor tells me it's like my views are clouded and I agree. I can give reasons against my thoughts logically but my mind and feelings overtake and I can't believe them. It makes me feel bleak.
I mean I know longer know myself as I don't enjoy things I'd used to in the past. But that's another good point- I do feel unable to relate as you said.
I also feel as though it's changed me. I feel like a bad person for things I think, which I'd never dream of in the past!
Another interesting perspective @apandav
When you say ‘hell’ @Brandy , it sounds like a place of great suffering?
It’s not always easy to describe @Melian , but interesting that you say it’s been a different experience each time :chin:
Very well put, really resonated with me.
@starlightx0x your description also sounds like a place of great suffering?