Seen this type of thing before and, as a person who has been diagnosed and medicated for chronic depression in the past, I don’t really understand what kind of change it’s trying to achieve. Are we meant to suspect that everyone who looks happy isn’t, as a default? If that’s not it, how is this telling people to modify their behavior or reactions toward us? I don’t really know what the point is but I genuinely want someone who ‘gets it’ to explain where they are coming from with this.
Nobody knew I had near-constant suicidal ideation until I finally told someone outright. It’s not a desire for suicide, but constant rehearsal, like an “earworm” song you don’t like, but can’t get rid of.
The sad thing is, if you don’t ask, you might never know. People mask well. So if you have a loved one, and things are superficial with that person, FIX THAT SHIT. Talk personally. Get close, try to get them talking. Give them an in to open up.
Hopefully you won’t be surprised to find they felt alone and unloved after they’re gone.
From my perspective there’s two issues being addressed:
People expect depressed people to always look depressed. So in turn if you are smiling and/or having a good moment people assume you can’t be depressed.
The prevalence of toxic positivity in our society. „How are you?“ having to be answered with „good/great“ or something similar in most circumstances. An expectation of upholding an image and/or not burdening others.
These two might also feed into each other. A depressed person might not feel seen and/or might feel like a burden. Which most likely worsens their depression.
I think the intent is to make people aware that someone can externally be happy/successful/etc but still be in a very bad place internally. People who have or do deal with depression and related conditions probably think this is so obvious it’s not worth pointing out, but I think a lot of them would be surprised how often the average person takes someone’s externalized condition and assumes it’s their entire experience.
I have no idea if posts like this picture do anything to actually inform people (and I’d bet not), but I guess I get what they’re going for.
Seen this type of thing before and, as a person who has been diagnosed and medicated for chronic depression in the past, I don’t really understand what kind of change it’s trying to achieve. Are we meant to suspect that everyone who looks happy isn’t, as a default? If that’s not it, how is this telling people to modify their behavior or reactions toward us? I don’t really know what the point is but I genuinely want someone who ‘gets it’ to explain where they are coming from with this.
I think the point is talking about it, so both the picture and your comment go hand in hand. Both are the start of a conversation.
Nobody knew I had near-constant suicidal ideation until I finally told someone outright. It’s not a desire for suicide, but constant rehearsal, like an “earworm” song you don’t like, but can’t get rid of.
The sad thing is, if you don’t ask, you might never know. People mask well. So if you have a loved one, and things are superficial with that person, FIX THAT SHIT. Talk personally. Get close, try to get them talking. Give them an in to open up.
Hopefully you won’t be surprised to find they felt alone and unloved after they’re gone.
edit: nevermind
From my perspective there’s two issues being addressed:
These two might also feed into each other. A depressed person might not feel seen and/or might feel like a burden. Which most likely worsens their depression.
I think the title should be “This is what depression can look like”
The marsks we wear in public can hide what we truly feel. Take some time to talk to people and check they’re ok behind the mask.
I think the intent is to make people aware that someone can externally be happy/successful/etc but still be in a very bad place internally. People who have or do deal with depression and related conditions probably think this is so obvious it’s not worth pointing out, but I think a lot of them would be surprised how often the average person takes someone’s externalized condition and assumes it’s their entire experience.
I have no idea if posts like this picture do anything to actually inform people (and I’d bet not), but I guess I get what they’re going for.
I appreciate the thoughtful response, thanks!
Even smiling people can be depressed. The rest is just window dressing.