15 Responses to 'Depression Isn't Real' You Can Use When People Doubt Your Mental Illness
Andrew Tate, a kickboxer and former cast mate of “Big Brother UK,” tweeted on Sept. 7 that “depression isn’t real” to over 26 thousand followers.
Depression isn't real. You feel sad, you move on. You will always be depressed if your life is depressing. Change it. Thread.
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) September 7, 2017
This tweet was just the beginning of a series of tweets, including his opinions about how people with depression are “too lazy to change,” and how depression is used as an excuse to “absolve responsibilities.”
We, of course, know this isn’t true — and that statements like these add to the stigma surrounding mental illness. People, including celebrities, have since spoken out against Tate’s tweets. Their responses might be useful if people doubt your mental illness, too.
This thread will teach you a lot about the defence mechanism of projection, but zero about the real mental illness that is depression. https://t.co/PqP1n1DMnT
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2017
1. False. 2. You're not "sad." You're insane & can't move on & need help. 3. False. 4. Energy drink tagline/bullshit. 5. Fuck you/no thread https://t.co/RnFdzeMi6e
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 8, 2017
“Depression isn’t real” “you will always be depressed if…” so confusing ahhhhh
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) September 9, 2017
You’ve only ever experienced life through your own lens, and since you’re not an expert, it’s bizarre to be so concrete in your stance
— elan gale (@theyearofelan) September 9, 2017
Where did you get your degree from? Can you provide links to the research you’ve undertaken/published that has lead to this conclusion?
— katie (@Katie_Kats1) September 7, 2017
Depression is very real & nothing to be ashamed about. We need to remove the stigma & shame attached to it & rather support one another.
— Dr. PAhad Ⓥ (@DrPAhad) September 8, 2017
The only thing that isn’t real is your expertise in the area of other people’s mental health.
— Colin Christopher (@BraveRoyal) September 7, 2017
Telling a person who is depressed to “move on” is like breaking someone’s leg and telling them to get up and walk. Depression is serious.
— Nate’s House (@NatesHouse27) September 10, 2017
But what is true is that telling someone suffering from depression to just suck it up only furthers the stigma and shame associated with it
— Josh Peterson (@jdpeterson) September 8, 2017
You could not possibly be more wrong about this. Seriously, I don’t think it is actually possible.
— Russell Varner (@rvarner) September 8, 2017
— Joshy (@HLJoshy) September 8, 2017
The effect of opinions like yours is contributing to the suicide rate. Nobody has the right to belittle someone’s suffering #TalkAboutIt
— Sharon Padmore-Mason (@mrspanickypoo) September 8, 2017
I’m lucky. My life is awesome. I’m blessed. I work hard. I’m successful. I still struggle w/depress. I’m not weak, nor lazy. 4/4
— Karen Veazey (@MeKarenV) September 10, 2017
Wow. Hope you never feel the complete emptiness and loneliness and total self destruction depression brings.
— LucysPrettyLtlWorld (@LucysPLWorld) September 11, 2017
What response would you add?
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
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