Depression Exposed: Sufferers Share the Devastating Toll

“Have you tried just not being depressed?” they ask, in all seriousness. Those who haven’t experienced depression’s devastating toll sometimes don’t understand its real impacts on those who struggle with it. 

Here, people share their real experiences with depression. You may be shocked to see how debilitating it can be. 

Shifting the Feelings Down

Woman with her arms crossed slightly resting her chin on her hand deep in thought.
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Depression is sometimes a misnomer. People with depression aren’t always sad, but their baseline emotion is often lower than those without the illness. 

Good things are just okay, okay things are awful, and awful things are debilitating. 

Awful for No Reason

A teenager sits at a desk with her hand on her head looking sadly into space.
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Bad things happen all around us. If you’re feeling sad because a loved one passed or you don’t earn enough money to get by, that’s not depression; that’s a reasonable reaction to circumstances. 

People with depression feel that way for no apparent external reason. 

Excessive Fatigue

A woman lays in bed with her eyes open. She looks bored and tired.
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Clinical depression causes chronic fatigue. Many sufferers couldn’t get up and get moving even if they wanted to more than anything in the world. Their bodies shut down and insist on rest, making even getting out of bed a struggle. 

Nothing To Fill the Void

A woman sits alone amidst a vast emptiness.
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People simply feeling depressed rather than struggling with clinical depression can typically see a light at the end of the tunnel. They have reasons to hope and dream. 

Those struggling under the oppressive weight of clinical depression see nothing but continued emptiness on the horizon. 

Enjoying Nothing

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Imagine engaging in your favorite hobby. Most people find joy in their pastimes and hobbies, but not people with depression.  Neither the comfort of a favorite book nor the thrill of a new adventure brings them joy. 

It’s All a Chore

A man leans against an ironing board with a pile of laundry next to him. He looks overwhelmed.
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Life is one gigantic chore for those suffering from depression. Everything from hygiene to feeding themselves, working to engaging with friends, is a giant, meaningless task on the hamster wheel of existence. It all seems pointless. 

Boring

Bored woman sitting at a desk with her hands on her cheeks on a pink background.
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Even favorite activities, meetups with friends, and things they once enjoyed now sound boring. Depression sucks all the joy out of life. 

Overwhelming

Overwhelmed woman at a desk.
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Depression often leads to anxiety because sufferers know things are essential but can’t bring themselves to do them. Tasks pile up while the person spirals deeper and deeper into a pit of despair that they find it impossible to break free from. 

Numb

A woman sitting on the couch who looks like she's feeling sad, empty, and numb.
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Some describe depression as numbness. They’re neither happy nor sad, excited nor nervous. Nothing brings joy, nothing brings anger; it’s all just one giant numbness over and over again. 

Dissociating

Profile of a woman with two heads to represent that she's dissociating. She's covering her face in her hands in one, and looking sadly down in the other.
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Depression can make your life feel like a movie you’re watching but don’t enjoy. You can’t do anything to change the channel, and though you can vaguely remember what emotions felt like before the movie started, you can’t feel them anymore, and you don’t know how to get back to yourself. 

Oppressive

Man carrying a heavy dark weight over his head.
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Many sufferers say that they literally feel depression’s oppressive weight covering them wherever they go. One described it as a “wet blanket of sadness” that’s impossible to remove. It’s a physical sensation in addition to a mental struggle. 

Homesick

A sad, worried woman looks off into space, deep in thought.
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Have you ever felt homesick? Some describe depression as constantly feeling homesick, even when you’re at home. It’s an intense longing for a home that doesn’t exist. 

If You’re Struggling with Depression, Journaling Can Help

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Increase your health and wellness with a simple, low cost tool: Journaling. But don’t take our word for it. 

Mental health experts speak out about all the benefits journaling offers

Tips for Improving Your Life Starting Today

happy woman dressed in yellow celebrating her accomplishments on a yellow background
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If you’re not ready for the hard work, take smaller steps that will help you improve your life starting today. 

Find out more: How To Improve Your Life Right Now

Find Your Purpose

A small man stands alone in an empty plain, looking through binoculars, trying to find opportunity in the emptiness.
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If you’re feeling depressed because your life lacks meaning, explore ways to bring more purpose to your life. 

Here’s how to find your purpose

16 Indulgent Self Care Sunday Activities

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Self-Care is essential to wellbeing. Try one of these indulgent self care activities when you have a moment of spare time

How to Find Your Passion and Live Your Dream Life

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Your dream life is within reach. Your passion is buried deep inside of you, aching to burst free. Here’s how to rediscover your passion and life the life you always wanted
 

Source: Reddit

Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.