Anonymous
I literally just followed a stray cat down the street and begged it to come inside with me and be my baby
One of the hardest things I have to deal with while going through depression is how other people treat me or talk to me. They always have to make it about them and how my problems make them feel. I understand and appreciate that my family cares and is worried about me but getting mad at me and making me feel guilty about feelings that I can’t control doesn’t help. All I ever wanted when I’m feeling this way is for someone to tell me that it’s going to be okay and that they’re there for me. Instead I get bombarded with comments like, “You have no reason to feel that way” or “It’s so frustrating that you didn’t open up and tell me” or my favorite one yet “How do you think that makes me feel?” People need to understand that this isn’t about them, this is about me. Yes, there’s no logical reason for me to be depressed because my life is pretty good. I know that and that’s what makes this so scary. The fact that they have to point it out and make me feel stupid about it makes me feel worse. Yes, I know that I didn’t open up to you and tell you everything. It’s not easy to admit that I’m feeling weak and vulnerable right now. Why couldn’t you come up to me? Yes, I know how that makes you feel. Trust me, it makes me feel a hundred times worse. Maybe I am being selfish but I think if there’s a time I’m allowed to be selfish, it’s right now. I have to take care of myself and I can’t be worrying about how everyone else feels about MY depression. If anyone you know is dealing with something similar right now, take a step back and put your feelings aside. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how frightening it is on them. Then ask yourself what you can do to make the person feel less scared/stupid/alone/worthless. I’ve had people tell me they didn’t approach me because they didn’t know how or if they should. If you really care about someone, just be there for them regardless of how awkward it is for you. I know if I would have had that support, things would have been a lot easier for me.
