A group of girls and women suffering from depression have opened up about what they wish other people knew about the condition.
The young women debunked several common misconceptions about depression while opening up to Seventeen, pointing out that their illness might be mental, but it is no less real, and it isn’t limited simply to feelings of sadness, as many people assume.
Some of them directed their remarks to other people currently coping with depression, telling them that getting help from professional counselors can be vital in learning how to handle symptoms, while noting that, with the right treatment, they can live a fulfilling life.
Important: A group of girls and women suffering from depression have opened up about what they wish other people knew about the condition (stock picture)
Several of the women explained how those around them could help them by understanding a few fundamental characteristics of the condition.
‘I wish people knew that I am not just sad and it’s not something that goes away. I have an illness and you can’t just fix me,’ a 17-year-old named Hannah told the magazine.
Another girl, also 17, pointed out that handling symptoms is a long-term process, as is finding the right treatment.
‘I wish that people understood that depression is a chronic illness, something like asthma,’ Camryn said.
‘Sometimes medication helps, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it takes a long time to find that medication, and when you do, it doesn’t fix everything right away. Learning to manage depression can take a long time, and it’s not as simple as just feeling better one day.’
Simone, 19, also explained that she can have good days and bad ones, and that appearances can sometimes be deceiving.
‘I may post pictures at events with friends smiling, but under that I’m struggling. Depression isn’t just a constant sadness; it’s anger, irritability, and restlessness,’ she said.
Help: Some of the women directed their remarks to other people currently coping to depression, telling them that seeing a professional counselors can be vital (stock picture)
Others detailed how depression goes beyond negative emotions, and can also make it hard for sufferers to go out and socialize.
‘Some people don’t understand that this feeling isn’t a choice or something I feel because I’m lazy or rude. When I back out of our plans at the last minute or I don’t message you back for hours, it’s probably because I get this overwhelming feeling of sadness and worthlessness,’ Melanie, 20, added.
As for fellow sufferers, 19-year-old Theresa said she wished they knew it can be beneficial to take time off from school or work to get better.
Denise, also 19, described how counseling helped her coping with suicidal thoughts, and feelings of numbness and emptiness so intense she sometimes stopped eating, drinking and leaving her room.
Meanwhile, Madison, 17, explained that her family hasn’t been supportive, but that it is possible to find support outside of that sphere.
‘If you can relate, turn to a close friend, turn to a professional—just turn to someone,’ she said. ‘You don’t have to walk through this alone.’