When People Ask Me What Depression Feels Like

Dealing with depression wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I pictured my teenage years. To me, the so called “best years of your life” in high school were the absolute worst. Not only was I stressed to the max because of schoolwork, but my depression and anxiety added so much to it. I was miserable. 

Having depression is honestly confusing at times. It’s hard to wrap your head around why it’s happening to you.

Depression feels like you’re drowning and you have to watch everyone around you breathe.

I fight a never-ending battle with myself every single day. People say, “don’t let things get to you,” but it’s hard not to believe negative comments when you don’t like who you are.

Depression makes you feel like you deserve every bit of the pain. It makes you want to cry about the littlest things and drown in your tears over the big things.

It’s the constant disappointment in who you are, and always feeling like everyone deserves better than what you have to give.

It’s not always having suicidal thoughts, but those can easily happen.

Depression isn’t always taken as seriously as pain you can see. But it’s so real.

It makes you feel alone and empty because who could possibly understand your depression if you can’t understand it yourself?

Depression is so many things… but one thing it doesn’t have to be is “the end.”

You’ve made it this far, and you should be proud of that. There are so many places to visit and people to meet, so stay strong.

Because you are not your depression, and you are strong enough not to let it win.

If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.