Depression, Understanding the Stigma

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore, trust the physician and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility.” – Khalil Gibran

On the brightest days and the darkest nights we have all, at one point in our lives, felt some form of depression. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, failure of an exam, or even just the inability to stand up to the dark shadows which enshroud our everyday lives. Sadness, and sorrow are no strangers to the human condition. For some, depression is a concept which lies just beyond our understanding. But to others, depression is an anchor; in which drags our limp bodies down to the bottom of the cold, dark ocean. But how exactly does one truly define depression? How does one truly understand and relate to someone suffering from a major depression disorder? These questions I will attempt to answer here today.

So first off, what exactly is depression? “A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.”

As someone, who for a long time has been dealing with depressive issues, I can say that of all the different psychological ailments one can suffer from, depression is one of the most psychologically and physically demanding. Living with untreated depression is like living at the bottom of the ocean. The pressure, the inability to breathe. It is like walking alone through the dark, abyssal ocean. A walk to the store, a hangout with friends. The burning sting of depression weighs on an individual like the world weighs on Atlas’ shoulders. Everyday growing larger, heavier, and more difficult to carry. I once heard someone describe living with depression, to be like living in a body that fights to survive with mind that tries to die.

It’s like being the last one alive on the entire planet. The people you see every day are emotionless shadows going about their lives in chaos, and randomness. And yet they can smile, they can laugh, or at the very least pretend. But for someone who suffers from depression, every smile is a muscle too weak to move. Every laugh, a hollow and empty sound made from a dying man unable to let others see his deep and intimate pain.

Another common question in regards to depression is “How do you help someone suffering from extreme depression?” Well a major problem with helping someone deal with depression, is that every person copes with depression differently. For example where talking and spending time with someone could greatly help a person’s depression, others need time, and space to think. The greatest advice I could give to someone who has a friend or family member suffering from depression is just be there for them. Let them know that whatever they are feeling  isn’t irrelevant, or useless. That whatever they are going through is okay. It’s okay to cry, and to break down. That pain, and sorrow is natural and okay.

It doesn’t make you weird, or weak.  It makes you different and unique! I have heard many people say that it’s never okay to let depression define you. But does it not? For me, my depression has made me stronger, and more resilient. It has made me more sensitive to feelings and emotions of others on a more personal level, so that when someone feels the burning emotion, we can relate, and even if for a little while make that person feel just a little less lonely in the world.

And to those of you who are dealing with depression. There is nothing wrong with what you are feeling! These emotions and anxieties you are feeling do not make you weak, if anything it shows the strength you have simply being able to get up in the morning.

You’re NOT weird, you are NOT stupid, and you are NOT weak. Because those very ideas are the very contradictions of what it means to live with depression.

You ARE unique, you ARE intelligent, and you ARE strong! And no matter how deep into the rabbit hole you may fall, you never give up. You never stop fighting until life itself takes the breath out of your lungs. And I promise you, one day, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day, you will see a light at the end of that tunnel. And one day you will beat depression!

Thank you for reading my article today, I hope that by writing this I have been able to give you an new outlook on depression and those suffering from it. That being said if anyone needs advice on dealing with depression, questions or even just need someone to talk to. My email is always open! Questions, Advice, Comments.

-Mitchell Dixon

Mitch.mabugat@gmail.com