What You Should Know Before You Casually Say You're 'Feeling Depressed'

“I feel depressed.”

I hear those words way too often from people who have never experienced depression, and it makes me mad each time. I’ve been living with depression practically my whole life, and it nearly ended my life not long ago. It was so, so close to ending my life. Let me tell you what “feeling depressed” really is.

Feeling depressed is having voices in your head, uncontrollable voices telling you only bad things about yourself.

Feeling depressed is feeling as if there’s a big grey cloud hanging over your head wherever you go.

Feeling depressed is feeling as if no one cares about you, even though they’re right by your side telling you they love you.

Feeling depressed is not wanting to hang out with friends, go get ice cream or watch a movie.

Feeling depressed is feeling so weak all you want is to stay in bed all day and never get out.

Feeling depressed is feeling empty.

Feeling depressed is feeling miserable.

Feeling depressed can be feeling suicidal.

And these feelings go on month after month, year after year. This is what it feels like to “feel depressed.” So next time you’re feeling a little down or tired, don’t say you’re feeling depressed. That’s not what depression is.

Image via Thinkstock.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.
If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.