[Albatross2008]

I made a similar thread in PTSD. Since both diagnoses apply to me, I thought this would be interesting too.

I would most like for people to realize that depression isn't the same thing as just feeling sad, or having a negative attitude. Pep talks don't easily cheer us up, and we already know about everything we have that we can be thankful for.

I would like people to realize it isn't a choice, I can't just snap out of it and it is a life or death battle.

[lotusblossom19]

Yep, totally agree with what has been said.

[Albatross2008]

On the flip side too, I'd like people to know this:

Since depression and sadness are not the same thing, depression is not the automatic explanation every time I'm sad, angry, or annoyed about something. I can feel legitimate emotions for legitimate reasons. The last thing I need is to have it brushed off. Please don't treat me like I don't know what I'm talking about, just because I have a diagnosis.

[teacat]

That solutions aren't immediate or as easy as just do this.

[USMCBIPOLAR7]

That being depressed isn’t being lazy or crazy . It is chemically and biologically based as well as psychologically , it is real not made up to get out of life tasks and chores. It’s not a lifestyle choice or laziness but a condition that can severely impair functioning.

[MtnTime2896]

Depression isn't a cloud over my head that follows me around. It's a damn chain around my neck that loosens and tightens at its discretion, not mine. It suffocates me at its will, not when it's convenient for anyone.

I can't control this.

[dexter]

That living with depression is painful.

[Albatross2008]

I've got another one.

I wish people understood that the purpose of anti-depressant medication is not to make people feel happy all the time, no matter what. If you're in a relationship with someone who takes medication, and they still get sad, angry, or annoyed with you sometimes, that doesn't mean the medication "isn't working." It might mean instead that you're acting like a donkey butt.

[MarmeeNoir]

Originally Posted by USMCBIPOLAR7

That being depressed isn’t being lazy or crazy . It is chemically and biologically based as well as psychologically , it is real not made up to get out of life tasks and chores. It’s not a lifestyle choice or laziness but a condition that can severely impair functioning.

THIS! I'm not ****ing lazy.

From personal experience: I wish people wouldn't think that a walk in the park or whatever is going to magically wash away a person's depression. It may help the person temporarily but it's going to be there.