What is depression?
I love this quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, about how to explain depression: “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”
That’s so true isn’t it? We all carry weights on our shoulders, like those water bucket carriers from days of old. What sort of sadness is sloshing around in those buckets? Do you keep your buckets covered and their contents secret, or do you let people see what’s inside?
Depression is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as:
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.
Symptoms of depression vary from person to person. For me, it is fatigue, lack of motivation, and fluctuations in appetite. For others, it can be anger, or issues with sleep.
How would you define it? I asked Twitter to define depression in 140 characters or less. This is what they came up with.
Also, I am not a doctor or mental health professional. Just someone who has lived with anxiety for many years who is passionate about sharing her experiences and tips for success. If you are in crisis call your doctor, then click here for some good mental health resources.
How to explain depression
“Darkness embraced me and is now the closest lifelong friend I’ll ever know, who robs me of any ability to enjoy or care or function or try.” @arcanedrag0n (dragonscodex.net)
“Depression is like drowning. I always feel the weight of the worthlessness and hopelessness choking me.” @thestrugglejugg (www.thestrugglejuggle.com)
“Depression is putting on make up, getting dressed, and going to work while no one knows that you had to lay in bed for 2 hours to do it.” @ashley_runals (www.ashleyrunals.com)
“Depression is dark, it stops you from doing the simplest of things, answering the phone, isolation, personal hygiene…” @ladyfibro (www.ladyfibro.co.uk)
“Depression is a black hole with no escape. Each wall taller than the other, there’s no light shining through. Everything is gray and bleak…” @CCaffeinatedmom (www.chronicallycaffeinatedmom.org)
“Depression feels like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world for too long and you’ve forgotten your worth and value.” @KellyMartin_UK (www.kellymartinspeaks.co.uk)
“Depression on me looks like someone who stays in bed all day, doesn’t shower, and cries in the walk-in closet. It’s also not calling anyone…” @sheedahsunshine (http:/www.sheedahsunshine.wordpress.com)
“Depression is like having a thick, black tar that seeps through your mind. It turns the good stuff bad & makes your thoughts jumbled, dark…” @MeditativeO (www.meditativeowl.wordpress.com)
“I think it’s like being surrounded by fear: fear of making mistakes, fear of people judging your every move, fear of saying No, fear of loss…” @snumanali
It’s a sense of apathy.
“A sense of apathy and disconnect that leaves me not caring about anything. Whilst conversely feeling so sensitive and full of shame…” @TheMINDBERG (www.themindberg.com)
“Depression is like drowning in darkness. You’re continuing to fall down this void and can’t imagine a way out…” @lifebeautymom (www.lifebeautyandmomming.com)
“Living in a fog. Like living through life sleepwalking while carrying around burdens that you can’t seem to unload…” @Tiffanys_Blog
“Like you fell into a deep well and can’t find the strength or will to climb up the sides or find a way out. There is no point to anything…” @lindengroveblog
“Depression is like falling into a deep, dark well. The further you fall, the further the light becomes. Then you feel nothing.” @DgtlButterfly
“It feels like my emotions have been taken away from me and all I’m left is with unending apathy. Like there’s a void within me…” @Caedere4 (www.howtorelationship101.blogspot.com)
It’s like a boulder.
“Depression is like that famous boulder… it rolls over you but you can’t out run it! And it weighs you down!” @DisabledDisney (www.disableddisney.com)
“Depression is my thief in the night, silently stealing my hope, joy, faith. Who would even want to steal from such an empty hole?…”
“It’s like that scene in Never Ending Story. Where Atreyu and his horse are in the swamp of sadness.”
“It feels like a permanent state of exhaustion and hopelessness. And always wanting someone to have a magic wand to make it better.” @Tenderfootmum (www.tenderfootnurse.com)
“Waking up every morning under six feet of sand you have to claw through before getting dressed. Then if you even make it out, you feel unproductive…”
“For me, depression manifests as sadness, lack of interest in everything, & lack of desire to do anything…” @MomminReal (www.momminintherealworld.com)
“For me, depression was voices. It was someone screaming in my head. It was the voice in my brain telling me I would never be good enough…”(katemartin.co)
It can’t always be seen.
“Depression can’t always be seen. Often those who are seemingly the happiest, are the most depressed. It’s not something we can just get over.” (www.daringwomaninc.com)
“Depression wears many faces and mine is rooted in pain. I live in emotional and physical pain every day.” @DragonsCodex
“Depression feels like a fog. You’re living in the gray, you can’t see the sun. The fog is thick and moving through it takes all your strength.”
“Depression can make you feel like your alone despite being surrounded by hundreds of people. It can talk you out of pretty much anything…” @TalesofJenn (http://www.talesofaprofessionalprocrastinator.wordpress.com)
“Depression by itself is a negative emotional state. It’s a fight with your thoughts, feelings and acts. It’s an emptiness and darkness…” @small_guide (www.mysmalltravelguide.com)
“On most days, my depression is subtle. It’s like coming up for air except, each breath is shallow and rushed rather than paced and natural…”
“Depression to me has been making myself do everyday things like go to work & take care of my son but all I want to do is be left alone…” @blu_temptation (www.blackgirlandanime.com)
How common is depression?
I gave my Twitter followers a poll. I asked them who considered themselves depressed or had in the past, and who did not. Out of 15 people, 100% said that they had suffered from some form of depression at some point in their life.
An overwhelming number. It just goes to show how far we have to go when it comes to resources and support.
Let me know in the comments what your best way of describing it would be. And don’t forget to share this article if you found it helpful!
How would you describe depression?
Related posts about what depression is:
Depression Explained in 140 Characters or Less
How to Recognize the Physical Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Eating for Depression and Anxiety
7 Interesting Facts About Anxiety
People treat depression so flippantly. For those truly affected it can be a living nightmre.
Hey kita, sadly that is still true! People act like it’s just something you can “get over.” That’s why I will never stop speaking up. Thanks for reading!
This was really eye opening. I have a relative who suffers from depression and this really helped me to understand him more.
Hey Sara, I’m so glad. I love hearing things like that! (Not that they have depression, obviously) Thanks for reading!
This topic needs to be taken seriously. Depression is not a joke, I’m glad that others are learning to open up with this. Thanks for this awareness.
Hey Ruth, you’re very welcome. Thanks for the support!
depression can be hard to talk about especially with people who have never had it. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Michelle, it definitely can be! Thanks for reading, and take care!
This is a very timely and important subject to talk about, especially during COVID.
Hey Tirralan, I think so too. A lot of people are struggling right now. Take care, and thanks for reading!
I agree that it is good that we are able to openly talk about depression. I grew up in a time whenever it was not discussed as much as it is today. Thank you for helping! 🙂
Hey Kale, same. Both my parents had mental illness but they didn’t really talk about it. I’m so glad you liked the post. Thanks for reading!
It’s nice that you’re doing this post. I know many who suffer from depression. I’m sure I did when I was younger too. It’s definitely not something I wish anyone would have to go through either. It can be hard to deal with.
Hey Kathy, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone either. It’s terrible. I’m glad you found the post helpful. Thanks for reading!
I know that I have to have a little bit of nature, a little bit of prayer, a little bit of friendship and a lot of hugs for me to rise above the feelings of depression.
Hey Terri, it’s great that you’ve identified the things that help you. Keep it up! And thanks for reading 🙂
I have a close family member who suffers from depression and she has described it very much like the quotes above. I’m glad that our society is talking about it more.
Hey Nancy, hopefully she is doing well. I’m so glad people are talking about it too! That’s the only way to change anything. Thanks for reading!
Depression is common and I appreciate that we are talking about it openly. Thank You!
Hey Melissa, you are very welcome! Thanks for reading!
Well said. The same thing from different point of view and they are all true!
Hey Catalina, thank you! I appreciate it!
I’m glad depression is not being ignored nowadays. The more people can openly talk about it. The more ease it can give them.
Hey Nikki, I agree! We need to just keep talking about it as much as we can. Thanks for reading!
It was interesting to look at depression through the eyes of Twitter.
Hey Janeane, glad you thought so. Thanks so much for reading!
It’s really interesting how different people describe depression. I can relate to so many of them. Thank you for sharing.
Hey Heather, I think so too. It was definitely interesting to put this all together. Thanks for reading!
With everything that’s going on. Depression is at an all time high. Thanks for sharing this.
Hey Tasheena, it really is! I hope a lot of people find this helpful. Thanks for reading!
Sometimes I feel depressed and sad but when I am able to pray and read my Bible, I feel better
Hey Sarah, I’m glad you’ve found some things to help. And simple to practice too! Take care, and thanks for reading 🙂
It is very interesting how others explain depression. We all feel it differently yet similarly. I think if I had to explain depression I would say that it’s a lost feeling combined with a sadness inside. You may not cry or sleep or have those fatigued feelings to the extreme, but your soul feels tired/lost.
Hey Brandy, I can definitely relate to a total soul weariness right now! This year has been so tough. Hang in there, and thanks for reading!
This is true on so many levels. I would add feeling numb at times. While life passes you by. For me talking to a therapist helped a lot.
Hey Anita, I can definitely relate to the numbness. I’m glad therapy has helped you. Thanks for reading!
Depression is such a hard thing to deal with and so many people would rather avoid the topic. Thanks for shedding some much needed light on it.
Hey Brenda, you are very welcome! Thanks for reading!
I imagine this is tough to go through. I am glad it’s being spoken about more. I know it can help so many others. There’s nothing wrong with having depression and the more it’s talked about, the more people will understand that.
Hey Amber, it’s very tough! But like you said, we just have to keep talking about it. Thanks for reading!
Depression is something which is so different for everyone and I think all these quotes show that. No two people experience it in quite the same way.
Hey Sarah, exactly! That’s so important for people to understand. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for sharing this. I love that it shows that the experience with depression isn’t necessarily the same from one person to the next. There is so much stigma surrounding mental illness, making conversations like this so important. The only way that we are going to help society understand the truth is by pulling back the curtain.
Hey Britt, that’s a good way to put it, pulling back the curtain. It needs to be done, especially in troubling times like this. Thanks for reading!
Wow, it’s amazing how relatable all these are and also how many different ways people can express a condition. It shows how differently it affects people. Love this.
Hey Abby, thanks! It was a very eye-opening exercise for me as well. Thanks for reading!
Very interesting read – it’s almost poetic (and sad that so many suffer from it; such challenges they face)
Hey Lisa, it almost is poetic in a way! Thanks for reading as always!
This is a great post and channel that allows people to feel like they are not alone. Thanks for helping me understand what people with depression go through.
You are very welcome! Glad you found it helpful.
Oh, how I can relate to some of these. It clearly feels different to everyone but some of these are written in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way. Thank you for compiling this list.
No problem! I’m glad you liked it.
Some of these tweets are so insightful! Thank you for sharing. My son has depression and this helps me understand it.
I’m sorry to hear that he has depression, but I am glad you think the post helped you understand him better. Thanks so much!
Depression is a very sad period in someone’s life. It’s so important to know how you can help your dears.
It’s tough! Thanks for reading!
It is good to learn more, read more, educate more about mental health and depression. And so good to connect and talk about it!
Definitely! I’m so glad to connect with others this way.
I think the different explanations, perspectives and impacts of depression help those who do not have depression to understand it more.
That’s my hope! Thanks for reading.
This is really a serious and a must-discussed topic. Depression can be life threatening to whoever is experiencing this. Thank you for sharing your thought about this. I will spread the words.
Thanks! I appreciate any shares. It could really help people!
I love the descriptions people used for depression! So many times I’ve tried to describe it to people who could never really understand what I have gone through. Thanks so much for this! Sometimes, the fact that others understand make me feel more hopeful.
It definitely helps. Since I’ve started speaking more openly about my issues, I’ve felt more hopeful myself. Thanks for reading!
I loved seeing into what other people experience. It’s a little bittersweet to say that but it is interesting seeing into the lives of others.
I agree! I hate that they go through it, but it’s interesting to read about.
This was a really eye-opening read for me. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful! Feel free to share.
I know several people who have suffered from depression and/or anxiety. Even though they didn’t put it into words to me, I’m sure that they would relate to these quotes. It is really painful to watch someone you love struggle with depression. Although it took quite a while to get an appointment with a health care professional, my loved one was finally able to get the help she needed. The in-between time was absolutely awful for everyone who loves her, as well as the individual.
That’s such a hard part of it, the time it can take to get in to see someone, as well as the occasional insurance issue. I’m glad she got help!
It is interesting to read the quotes and understand how different it can be for different people. It is so necessary to be able to talk about it so that it can be understood.
Definitely! Thanks for reading!
I’m wondering if all people have depression but only the very sensitive understand it. It seems like all the people I know have symptoms of it.
Could be! I think more people definitely have some form of it than we know. Thanks for reading!
These quotes are really enlightening, who knew depression could affect people so differently. It’s great that we can discuss this openly so more people can realize what they are going through is normal and they’re not alone.
I hope it continues to be that way, and more and more people speak up. Thanks for reading!
These are great descriptives of what depression is. It’s really so hard to put into words for some.
It can be! I struggled with it for so long myself. Thanks for reading!
I didn’t know I was depressed, clinically, until my wife insisted I speak with someone. I’m grateful I finally put my pride to the side and headed her advice.
I’ve learned so much from reading the quotes from other people just about how widespread depression really is and what depression means or feels like to different people.
I’ll refer to this post often. Thank you. It makes one not feel so alone.
Thanks for the kind words about the post. Feel free to share! I’m glad you are in a better place 🙂
This is wonderful. It’s so hard to explain to others especially those who think that they are responsible for my happiness.
Thanks! Sometimes it helps just to look at it in a different way, and I think this could help with that. Feel free to share!
I don’t know if “enjoyed” was the right word, but it was meaningful to read how depression can be so different from person to person but also such a similar experience.
That’s so true! We all have so much in common yet are so different. Thanks for reading!
Like being at the bottom of a pit, you can, sometimes, just see a glint of light, you try and pull your way towards it and sometimes you get closer and sometimes the rubble below your gives way and you fall back.
Very well said! Thanks for sharing, and reading!
A very interesting post and it is so true that everyone has experienced depression of some kind. This was such goood food for thought and has helped me examine my own feelings of depression
Thank you! It really is different for everyone.
These are some great descriptions of depression. I don’t have it, but I know many people do. I am so glad people talk openly about it!
Thanks! It has helped my recovery immensely to talk about it.
For me, I definitely get very irritated when I’m having mood fluctuations. That may be because of the constant switching from high to low confusing my brain and irritating me, or it may be that I’m just irritated with myself for not being able to get out of bed. I also always feel super fatigued and have no motivation whatsoever. It’s definitely different for each individual, but there are some symptoms that most people have! xx
Me too! Irritability is a frequent symptom of mine. It’s awful.
As a person who’s dealt with depression for years, I’m glad we’re finally able to talk about it. I know it feels different for everyone, but I can identify with all those quotes.
Same! I held it inside for way too long. Thanks for reading!
Such an incredibly thoughtful and touching post. Every summary touched me in such a way I didn’t realise 140 characters could. Great post and fantastic idea!
Thank you! I appreciate it so much, and the help of everyone who contributed!
Although every account sounded different, for someone who battles with depression and anxiety, I identified with every quote made by Twitter followers. I really love that Longfellow quote by the way. I’m so glad that mental health awareness is a thing now. I feel like my family finally understands why I need medicine and that I’m not just taking an easy way out. Oh I almost forgot, I got the deck of affirmation cards you mentioned in another post. I absolutely love them.
Oh, that’s great! I’m glad you love them! Thanks so much for reading as always.
I too am not able to sleep at night, am i depressed 😣
Sorry to hear it! Hope you feel better.
So glad depression is coming into the limelight and everyone talks about it without feeling ashamed. Thank you for sharing such an important post.
You’re very welcome! I’m very glad too. Thanks for reading!
As a therapist these quotes are a great representation of how different depression can present for adults and kids too. The dsm criteria gives us a standard way to diagnose but it’s really a change in that baseline that should be a red flag!
That’s so true! Everyone is so different to begin with. Thanks for reading.
These assessments of depression, from people of Twitter, were chilling because I knew, but hadn’t processed how widespread depression is and how it affects people in so many different ways.
I thought so too! I think it does a lot to show how common it is. Thanks for reading.
It’s fascinating to read about other people’s perspective of depression. I personally would describe it emptiness. You have no appetite even when you’re hungry, you can’t sleep even if you’re tired. You can’t feel a thing even if you’re consumed by hopelessness. It’s a strange feeling. But it can be comforting to know that I am not alone.
That is a good way to describe it! Thanks for reading
I’m so glad depression is coming into the light more instead of being a “shameful” diagnoses to have. It is a chemical imbalance that can be corrected, not a doomed life. Cheers to spreading awareness! 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad too! I appreciate the comment
This is such an awesome post! thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Depresion is everything above and more. For me its a constant fight with my brain telling me all sort of shit things that most of them did not make sence. Love the post. Thanks 😘😘
That is very true for me too! Thanks for reading.
Depression is so much more common than we ever realized. I’m so glad that people are talking about it now!
I agree! It is everywhere, especially with all the political tension. Thanks for reading!