In today's society, it seems depression in younger people is increasing. From personal experiences, I have talked to many people who are struggling with their lives and are very quick to say they are "depressed." I use the quotes around depressed because sometimes these people truly are depressed, and sometimes they are not. This leads to a growing problem with this generation. The inability of people to distinguish themselves between sad and depressed is offensive to people who are or have been actually depressed. I would like to discuss some key points in regards to this problem.
Depression is not beautiful or romantic.
Because of media, many people have started to romanticize depression and make it seem beautiful or fascinating. I will say it again because I'm not sure how else to put it. Depression is not beautiful or romantic. Speaking as someone who has been depressed, it is honestly the most hopeless feeling there is. There is nothing fascinating about one's mental health slowly but surely declining. The problem is partly caused by movies that show depression and sometimes suicide. We've all seen the portrayal of the beautifully written suicide note, the empty bottle of pills lying on the bathroom floor, or the girl in the blood-filled bathtub with slit wrists.
Although depression can lead to these scenarios, they seldom turn out this way. Depression is not something that is so obviously portrayed. Depression is the boy who comes to school with bags under his eyes because he was too afraid to sleep and have awful nightmares of his reality. Depression is the girl bent over the toilet vomiting because she has seen the cruel expectations society requires to be considered "beautiful."
Depression is leaving your door open because you are overwhelmingly terrified to be alone with yourself for any period of time. Saying you are depressed does not make you fascinating to others, it makes a sick person who is in serious need of help.
What media does not yell you: You cannot see depression. It is very hard to know when someone is depressed. The only way to see the reality of the ugliness of depression is to be depressed yourself.
There is not always someone to save you.
Another inaccuracy in the way depression is portrayed by the media is the fact that there is always a hero. In movies where there is a depressed person, there is also always a great figure (significant other, parent, best friend) that "saves" the depressed person. The reality of this is there is no guarantee that you will be saved. You cannot hand your depression off to a single person and expect them to be able to protect you from the darkness. In the end, the only person there for is you.
Sad vs. Depressed. There is a huge difference.
A common problem arising with this generation is people not knowing the difference between being sad or depressed. Being sad is a completely normal human emotion. You have been sad before and I'm sure you will be sad again. But here is the good news: Sadness does not last forever. Depression, on the other hand, is when you feel sad about everything. Everything is less significant, less enjoyable, less lovable, and less worthwhile. You are not depressed if you were dumped by your significant other or got into a minor fight with your family. You are depressed when you continually have suicidal thoughts, loss of interest, extreme changes in weight, lack of sleep, and lack of energy. People who are depressed have to deal with offensive cliches such as "you'll be okay," "stay strong," or "happiness is a choice!" Someone who is depressed knows how offensive these often used lines are.
It is OK to be OK, and it is OK to not be OK.
If you are happy that is fantastic! I hope it remains that way. The bad thing is the romanticizing of depression makes people who are completely okay feel like their lives are insignificant or boring. It does not give your life more significance if you are suffering in any way. Being happy/content with your life is a beautiful thing. Being depressed is nothing but ugly. A huge problem in society is that people who are depressed are often seen as weak or outcasts. You are not less of a person or weak for being depressed.
If you are depressed, get help.
You are not weak or less of a person for being depressed. You are not weak for seeking help for your illness. If you are depressed, please do not try to fight it by yourself. Seek professional help. They are trained to help you in any way they can. If you know someone who is depressed, talk to them. Let them know they are not alone. Rather than giving them advice, just listen to them. Most depressed people feel as if they have no voice in the world and are utterly alone. If you have a friend or loved one who is depressed, don't ever think it is your fault. You are not able to save someone from depression. You can help them, but you cannot heal them. Lastly, if you are ever feeling suicidal or know someone who is dial either 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
