There is a lot of stigma around mental illnesses, but today I want to talk about two in particular. When I was talking to an adult the other day, and when I told her about my struggles with anxiety and depression she couldn't believe all that I have accomplished and the way that I present myself. Mental Illnesses are different for everyone, but the signs of the anxiety and Depression appear in many different forms and not just the ones you think.
When people think of anxiety disorder, they are expecting attacks where you're falling on the floor not being able to breathe. And yes that is anxiety, but anxiety is also not being able to explain that dooming pit in your stomach and feeling like some bad is going to happen. Another example of anxiety is zoning out of a conversation with your friends and silently stressing about a situation out of your control. Anxiety can be talking too much because you feel that the silence is awkward. Anxiety is thinking about every possible worst-case scenario after making plans with friends and then canceling the day of.
Anxiety is the constant fear of being the butt of every joke when you hear a group of people laughing. Anxiety is not being able to leave to the classroom to use the restroom or staring at the trash can with trash in hand for the whole hour and 30 minute class period due to fear of everybody watching you. Anxiety is looking at the ground when walking from point A to point B so you don't make eye contact with anyone.
Anxiety Disorder by definition is A mental disorder characterized by feelings of worry anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.
When people think of Major Depressive Disorder they usually think of someone who cannot get out of bed, barely eats or sleeps and has the attitude of Eeyore. While that can most times be the case Depression is also this heavy feeling in your chest that you just can't seem to shake.
Depression is binge eating a crap ton of food one week and then barely eating the next week. Depression is making plans with your friends only to cancel the day of just to lay in bed and stare at the ceiling. Depression is wanting to get dressed up and go out but when given the chance refusing. Depression can be displayed in angst, anger, and irritable episodes. Depression can be sleeping all day or not at all.
Depression does not care that you have the brightest smile that can light up a room. Depression is there and while it isn't curable, you can learn to live with it. So with that being said, you can be the happiest person ever and still struggle with anxiety. That one kid you know that has the brightest smile and kindest heart could struggle with depression and that just means that depression doesn't just walk up to you and scream I'm here.
The Definition of Major Depression Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by consistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities which significantly impairs daily life. There are signs to look for, so do not place a ridiculous stigma on mental illnesses. It is different for everyone.
