5 Alternative Facts About People With Depression

5 Alternative Facts About People With Depression

Throw out what you know! I'm here to drop the (alternative) truth bomb!
Rachel Sowinski
Rachel Sowinski Feb 8, 2017
30
views

So if you've been on the ~social media~ train lately, you probably know all about alternative facts. You know, the things that are facts but completely contradictory to actual facts but Kellyanne Conway says they're actually true? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Well, if you answered yes to the above, imma bout to drop some serious alternative fact truths on you about depression!

Alternative Fact 1:

Always tell the person you know exactly what they're going through especially if they have depression. They seriously love when you relate to their inability to feel a reason to get up in the morning or struggle to find motivation to engage in daily tasks. One time you were really sad for a few days? It made you feel like you would never see the sun shine again? Awesome. Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated and helping!

Alternative Fact 2:

When people tell you they're having a depressive episode, you should simply advise them to try and be happy! It's actually a fool-proof plan because -doiii- they didn't think of that themselves! Just, when someone confides that in you, the best thing you can say is "Well, have you tried just thinking of happy things? Sometimes I'm sad, but I just need to remember all the good in my life and I start to perk up!" <-- you couldn't say anything better than that right there! It's totally not out of their control because there is believed to be a chemical imbalance causing it or something! So advise away, Jose.

Alternative Fact 3:

In par with the last one, if that doesn't seem to perk them up, please remind them that their life could be so much worse! As Kourtney Kardashian once said to Kim...

Because, again, it's in their control. They keep choosing to be depressed, right?!

Alternative Fact 4:

Comforting them isn't working? Telling them it could be worse wasn't taken they way you thought it would be? No fear, there's another option. People suffering from depression, similar to a sulking child, need to be told to get over themselves. Like seriously, how bad could lacking drive in life be? Sure they don't have control over it but the least they could do is try to go out and have fun? So just tell them "Get over yourself, your life can't be that bad." Please. Do it.

Alternative Fact 5:

I would say the #1 thing you should say to someone with depression is "Depression isn't even real, you're just sad. Deal with it like everyone else." That's the hardball hitter right there. Truth BOMB. Despite scientific evidence supporting the realness (not to mention the LIVED EXPERIENCE of people) we've learned something pretty important in 2017 and it's that scientists are trying to fool you. Global Warming? Lie, just like depression. Silly scientists, leave these things to people with no prior experience or knowledge!

There you have it! Go forth with your new "facts" and change the world of mental health!

Cover Image Credit: Huffington Post
Rachel Sowinski
Rachel Sowinski Feb 8, 2017
At @holy-cross

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8 Reasons Why My Dad Is the Most Important Man In My Life

Forever my number one guy.
Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
57507
views

Growing up, there's been one consistent man I can always count on, my father. In any aspect of my life, my dad has always been there, showing me unconditional love and respect every day. No matter what, I know that my dad will always be the most important man in my life for many reasons.

1. He has always been there.

Literally. From the day I was born until today, I have never not been able to count on my dad to be there for me, uplift me and be the best dad he can be.

2. He learned to adapt and suffer through girly trends to make me happy.

I'm sure when my dad was younger and pictured his future, he didn't think about the Barbie pretend pageants, dressing up as a princess, perfecting my pigtails and enduring other countless girly events. My dad never turned me down when I wanted to play a game, no matter what and was always willing to help me pick out cute outfits and do my hair before preschool.

3. He sends the cutest texts.

Random text messages since I have gotten my own cell phone have always come my way from my dad. Those randoms "I love you so much" and "I am so proud of you" never fail to make me smile, and I can always count on my dad for an adorable text message when I'm feeling down.

4. He taught me how to be brave.

When I needed to learn how to swim, he threw me in the pool. When I needed to learn how to ride a bike, he went alongside me and made sure I didn't fall too badly. When I needed to learn how to drive, he was there next to me, making sure I didn't crash.

5. He encourages me to best the best I can be.

My dad sees the best in me, no matter how much I fail. He's always there to support me and turn my failures into successes. He can sit on the phone with me for hours, talking future career stuff and listening to me lay out my future plans and goals. He wants the absolute best for me, and no is never an option, he is always willing to do whatever it takes to get me where I need to be.

6. He gets sentimental way too often, but it's cute.

Whether you're sitting down at the kitchen table, reminiscing about your childhood, or that one song comes on that your dad insists you will dance to together on your wedding day, your dad's emotions often come out in the cutest possible way, forever reminding you how loved you are.


7. He supports you, emotionally and financially.

Need to vent about a guy in your life that isn't treating you well? My dad is there. Need some extra cash to help fund spring break? He's there for that, too.

8. He shows me how I should be treated.

Yes, my dad treats me like a princess, and I don't expect every guy I meet to wait on me hand and foot, but I do expect respect, and that's exactly what my dad showed I deserve. From the way he loves, admires, and respects me, he shows me that there are guys out there who will one day come along and treat me like that. My dad always advises me to not put up with less than I deserve and assures me that the right guy will come along one day.

For these reasons and more, my dad will forever be my No. 1 man. I love you!

Sydney Kofron
Sydney Kofron Mar 29, 2016
At University of Arizona

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Why The Idea Of 'No Politics At The Dinner Table' Takes Place And Why We Should Avoid It

When did having a dialogue become so rare?

JuliakJohnson
JuliakJohnson Apr 17, 2019
479
views

Why has the art of civilized debate and conversation become unheard of in daily life? Why is it considered impolite to talk politics with coworkers and friends? Expressing ideas and discussing different opinions should not be looked down upon.

I have a few ideas as to why this is our current societal norm.

1. Politics is personal.

Your politics can reveal a lot about who you are. Expressing these (sometimes controversial) opinions may put you in a vulnerable position. It is possible for people to draw unfair conclusions from one viewpoint you hold. This fosters a fear of judgment when it comes to our political beliefs.

Regardless of where you lie on the spectrum of political belief, there is a world of assumption that goes along with any opinion. People have a growing concern that others won't hear them out based on one belief.

As if a single opinion could tell you all that you should know about someone. Do your political opinions reflect who you are as a person? Does it reflect your hobbies? Your past?

The question becomes "are your politics indicative enough of who you are as a person to warrant a complete judgment?"

Personally, I do not think you would even scratch the surface of who I am just from knowing my political identification.

2. People are impolite.

The politics themselves are not impolite. But many people who wield passionate, political opinion act impolite and rude when it comes to those who disagree.

The avoidance of this topic among friends, family, acquaintances and just in general, is out of a desire to 'keep the peace'. Many people have friends who disagree with them and even family who disagree with them. We justify our silence out of a desire to avoid unpleasant situations.

I will offer this: It might even be better to argue with the ones you love and care about, because they already know who you are aside from your politics, and they love you unconditionally (or at least I would hope).

We should be having these unpleasant conversations. And you know what? They don't even need to be unpleasant! Shouldn't we be capable of debating in a civilized manner? Can't we find common ground?

I attribute the loss of political conversation in daily life to these factors. 'Keeping the peace' isn't an excuse. We should be discussing our opinions constantly and we should be discussing them with those who think differently.

Instead of discouraging political conversation, we should be encouraging kindness and understanding. That's how we will avoid the unpleasantness that these conversations sometimes bring.

By avoiding them altogether, we are doing our youth a disservice because they are not being exposed to government, law, and politics, and they are not learning to deal with people and ideas that they don't agree with.

Next Thanksgiving, talk politics at the table.

JuliakJohnson
JuliakJohnson Apr 17, 2019
At University of South Carolina

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