I'm not going to write a massive reply to this thread, but I just want to say that depression is real, and legitimate.
I can understand why it would be hard to recognise it as a legitimate illness, because it really differs from most 'typical illnesses' in the sense that it is not seemingly physical, but is more emotional. Although, it is important to bare in mind that the cause of depression is a chemical imbalance, and in this respect, depression is very physical.
It's hard for people to imagine that symptoms such as 'low motivation levels' and 'poor concentration' can actually be the result of an illness, rather than merely the result of 'laziness'.
But in all honesty, I believe that it's impossible to understand this illness unless you have actually experienced it. It's impossible to understand what it's like to literally not be able to get out of bed because you feel so bad. It's impossible for people to understand how someone can really truly not write that essay, because the simply CAN'T concentrate. But when you're depressed, all of this is real.
I am currently experiencing depression. Nobody knows about my depression, but my family has recently found out (against my wishes). So I am not trying to 'get attention' for my depression - i'm too ashamed to want any attention at all. So that myth is busted.
Also, I am usually a very dedicated, motivated person. I never stop, i'm always working towards something and meeting goals. I've always been a good student, and have always worked hard. BUT, now I can't work hard. I can't concentrate, no matter how hard I try. I can spend all day (literally) sitting in front of my work, trying to get it done, and not even be able to write a sentence. I'm trying, I swear to god, i'm trying as hard as I can... but it just doesn't work. There are days when I can't get out of bed. When moving any part of my body feels impossible, because I just feel so weak and hopeless. BUt the point is, I am trying... I am trying to fight this, and I am NOT letting it beat me. My counsellor tells me that I need to rest and stop pushing myself but i'm refuse to, this is not me... You have to understand that i'm not being lazy. Being unable to do all these things is not an indication that I am being lazy, it's an indication that I actually CAN'T do it. I do try, but it doesn't work. So please don't believe that myth.
I promise, I do NOT want to be depressed. I fucking hate this. I would do anything and everything to make it go away. But this is REAL, it doesn't just go away when I want it to. In fact, it usually gets worse when I most want it to get fucked. Please don't doubt this condition, it's so hard to explain to someone that has not experienced it, but it exists, I promise. And it's fucking awful.
Okay, this was kind of long. I know people will probably abuse me now for what I have said, but I can deal with that. I empathise and totally understand why people can't understand depression, but sometimes it necessary for people to just accept that they don't understand it, and move on.
Sorry about the length... and I hope it all made sense. I'm a little tired...
I can understand why it would be hard to recognise it as a legitimate illness, because it really differs from most 'typical illnesses' in the sense that it is not seemingly physical, but is more emotional. Although, it is important to bare in mind that the cause of depression is a chemical imbalance, and in this respect, depression is very physical.
It's hard for people to imagine that symptoms such as 'low motivation levels' and 'poor concentration' can actually be the result of an illness, rather than merely the result of 'laziness'.
But in all honesty, I believe that it's impossible to understand this illness unless you have actually experienced it. It's impossible to understand what it's like to literally not be able to get out of bed because you feel so bad. It's impossible for people to understand how someone can really truly not write that essay, because the simply CAN'T concentrate. But when you're depressed, all of this is real.
I am currently experiencing depression. Nobody knows about my depression, but my family has recently found out (against my wishes). So I am not trying to 'get attention' for my depression - i'm too ashamed to want any attention at all. So that myth is busted.
Also, I am usually a very dedicated, motivated person. I never stop, i'm always working towards something and meeting goals. I've always been a good student, and have always worked hard. BUT, now I can't work hard. I can't concentrate, no matter how hard I try. I can spend all day (literally) sitting in front of my work, trying to get it done, and not even be able to write a sentence. I'm trying, I swear to god, i'm trying as hard as I can... but it just doesn't work. There are days when I can't get out of bed. When moving any part of my body feels impossible, because I just feel so weak and hopeless. BUt the point is, I am trying... I am trying to fight this, and I am NOT letting it beat me. My counsellor tells me that I need to rest and stop pushing myself but i'm refuse to, this is not me... You have to understand that i'm not being lazy. Being unable to do all these things is not an indication that I am being lazy, it's an indication that I actually CAN'T do it. I do try, but it doesn't work. So please don't believe that myth.
I promise, I do NOT want to be depressed. I fucking hate this. I would do anything and everything to make it go away. But this is REAL, it doesn't just go away when I want it to. In fact, it usually gets worse when I most want it to get fucked. Please don't doubt this condition, it's so hard to explain to someone that has not experienced it, but it exists, I promise. And it's fucking awful.
Okay, this was kind of long. I know people will probably abuse me now for what I have said, but I can deal with that. I empathise and totally understand why people can't understand depression, but sometimes it necessary for people to just accept that they don't understand it, and move on.
Sorry about the length... and I hope it all made sense. I'm a little tired...