People need to stop assuming that depression is just being sad. Most people always assume that it’s just being sad and don’t even try or want to understand what it’s really like. So I’m going to be telling you about what it’s really like from my personal experience and understanding of it, because I know and definitely understand the annoyance of someone who doesn’t have it or understand it trying to explain it. First off, depression is different for everybody, it can cause sadness, anger, frustration, hopelessness, etc. It can also cause some to feel severely exhausted and drained and a severe loss of interest to do normal day-to-day activities. There are physical symptoms as well, like having trouble sleeping or staying awake, eating too much or not enough, not brushing your teeth, hair, or taking a shower in days, sometimes weeks, etc.

Many people that have depression are suicidal, they think suicide is the only choice or way out. Most of those people don’t want to commit suicide to die, they just want their pain to end. A lot of people think that suicidal people are selfish, but really, they think they are unloved, a burden, and like everyone hates them. So if you or anyone you know is thinking about suicide then just remember that it is not too late to get yourself or them help and you need to talk to a trusted adult, your doctor, school counselor, or someone that you are certain will help you. However, if you or anyone you know are seriously thinking about suicide and you don’t have anyone to talk to then here are some numbers you can talk to: (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255, Washington County Crisis Line – 503-291-9111) 

Depression is not a choice, it is a serious mental illness that cannot be turned on and off. So when you tell someone with depression “Just be happy,” “Stop giving attitude,” etc., it is not helping at all. If anything, it would just make them feel even worse. Instead, some helpful things to do would be checking up on them and letting them know that you are always available if they need to talk, and if they don’t want to talk at the time, don’t get angry at them or force them to tell you, just keep on reassuring them that you are always there for them and let them come to you because that is the most helpful thing of all.

You can also really understand depression by just asking someone with it what it’s like, but also remember it’s different for everybody and it is much more than just being sad.