If you, like me, are facing the dark monster that is depression/anxiety, then you are just tired of hearing certain things people say to you, things they probably believe are helpful tips or pieces of advice. You’ve become totally stone cold upon hearing them, and sometimes you just want to snap and tell them that it’s not as simple as I’m sure they think it is.
Here are some of the lines that we are just so over hearing:
“Everything is going to be okay”
That’s cool, and maybe I believe this to be true, but before I get to “okay,” I must continue this battle. It’s hard to see a positive ending when I’m stuck in a circle of doubt, hate, and loneliness.
“You’re just sad”
No, I’m not just fucking sad, and how would you know anyway? So back off. I’m not just in some bad mood that will go away once I sleep it off. Depression and anxiety take you to a whole new level that makes one wish they were just moody.
“Just try to relax”
(I don’t know about anyone else, but I really dislike being told to relax or calm down) I wish I could do something that’s supposed to be so simple. For us depressed people, it’s not. Our brains are never, ever quiet. There’s no off switch, and that makes it very difficult for us to sit for even five minutes and take our mind away from all the negative.
“There are people who have it worse than you”
This one really gets me. (And I’m sure this will be taken the wrong way, so think what you want.) Yes, I’m entirely aware that there are others who are homeless, starving, going through abusive situations, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still dealing with something difficult, too. Of course my heart goes out to them, but they’re not my concern either.
“Nothing is wrong with your life, so why do you think you’re depressed?”
For starters, you don’t know my life. And yeah, even if I’m aware that I’ve had a decent life, that doesn’t magically make everything I feel now go away. Don’t judge on the fact that I grew up with both parents, or I received an education, or whatever else you might throw in there. Plus, half the time I just tell myself it’s so stupid for feeling this way because I have a decent past. So no need for you to rub it more in my face because I’m already feeling lousy about it as is.
So to those who have said any of the above… I understand you probably just mean well. But us people with depression/anxiety are done with hearing it. Honestly, saying any of these things is most likely just going to make us feel worse.
For anyone who knows where I’m coming from, feel free to vent, comment, etc. I would love to hear from you!
Xoxo –
hopeinsmallcorners 