Finding Hope In Depression Amidst Hollywood's Lies
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Finding Hope In Depression Amidst Hollywood's Lies

Contrary to Hollywood's portrayal, people with depression can still live full lives despite their struggles.

601
Finding Hope In Depression Amidst Hollywood's Lies

For the past couple of years, the media has been more vocal about mental health awareness.

And for good reason, too.

According to Mental Health America, one in five adults have a mental health condition.

In addition, "rates of youth with severe depression increased from 5.9% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2015... 76% of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment," says the website.

As someone with a long history of mental health struggles, I've found it really admirable that celebrities are now coming forward and being open about their conditions. Hell, even Kim Kardashian has come forward (for those of you that don't believe her, I'd like to remind y'all that she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris a year or two ago, so sit down).

Giphy

What bothers me, though, is despite all of these stories we're getting of hope and triumph, Hollywood is jumping on the bandwagon of the mental health "trend," and churning out stories left and right about mental health that are, frankly, inaccurate.

Depression is not a trend, and it sure as Hell should not be treated as some thematic element to your story for extra drama.

Depression is real, it is frightening, and it is scary. Hollywood is really good at making sure everyone and their goldfish knows that it is a serious condition. However, they only show half the story.

Giphy

Depression is not a death sentence.

I've been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder since sixth grade, and over the summer I got diagnosed with Severe Recurrent Depressive Disorder, which is a fancy way of saying I'm basically always going to have depression.

I've been hospitalized for suicide before, too.

I wasn't sure I'd ever be alive to see college, to make friends, to move away from home. Yet here I am in my sophomore year of college at Alabama! Some days are still really bad, and some days are better. In general, though, I think I'm doing amazing.

But anyways, on my journey, I have met the most amazing, inspiring, wonderful people (Shout out to my support group!). They have been to Hell and back yet still manage to keep going. Their journeys are so beautiful, not because of their struggles, but because of their recoveries.

Kyle* has an incredible faith and trust in God that cannot be shaken. Amanda is so strong and independent, and the most fantastic mother to her boys. Jennifer has this beautiful, creative mind and is just so wise. And Nina is so encouraging and funny and extremely thoughtful.

I take a look at these wonderful people surrounding me with so much hope and inspiration, and it makes me so angry that Hollywood spends all their money funding shows like "13 Reasons Why" and romanticizing these struggles instead of showing people that the real beauty is found in having the courage to go one more day, to ask for help, to accept that while life is sticky and messy and unbearable at times, each one is still worth living.

While an enormous amount of people still tragically lose their battles with depression, it's important to remember that an enormous amount of people are also kicking depression's butt one day at a time.

In my opinion, the only movie in Hollywood that did depression justice was "Frozen." For those of you that live under a rock, Elsa clearly has depression.

At the beginning of the movie, she's isolating herself, losing interest in previously fun activities like building snowmen with Anna, and struggling to cope with her anger. Anna and Elsa learn at the end of the movie that the only way to melt a frozen heart is with love, and Elsa realizes that she has the power to control her magic and her story and that she can still live an amazing life even though she has crazy ice powers.

If a children's movie can portray a more accurate depiction of depression than a TV show or movie made for adults, then Hollywood, we have a problem.

Giphy

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, you can use the crisistexline.org for 24/7 help, or contact your nearest emergency room.

*All names have been changed

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85366
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51325
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments