People have the stereotypical view of what depression is and what it looks like. It's supposed to be seen as someone lurking around, barely getting out of bed, listening to depressing music and dressing the part. What people don't realize is that depression isn't something that is built into certain people. The chemical imbalance in a person's brain makes it impossible for them to get out of their "rut."
News Flash: It's not just a rut.
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People don't realize this mental illness is all consuming. It's something that you don't even realize is happening until you're already stuck in it. It isn't what is perceived on the outside because most people with depression are the best at hiding it. You don't see the darkness in their eyes unless it's a rare moment where they let you.
When you look into someone's eyes, normally you see the light and happiness that they are projecting, but when you see a person with depression, normally their eyes are not so bright.
It's important to realize that different people have different symptoms and that they are not going to be similar at all. Depression has a way of being all consuming, a way of experiencing so many different emotions at once and not knowing what to do with them all. That is why it is important to recognize the potential symptoms so that it is possible to be aware and help change the stigma.
This saying is one of the most common when it comes to depression because, in all honesty, it's 100% true. You don't see it coming from someone who seems so "normal." This could be the girl who is a straight-A student, a cheerleader, and a volunteer at the local pet shop. This could be the star of the football team who has a girlfriend, best friends, and can throw a mean pass. The truth is, you never know who has it and who is hurting internally but portraying themselves as "happy" externally.
Would you want to be wrong about something like that and make fun of this issue? Make people who actually have this feel like they are stupid because it "isn't a real thing."
Reality check: It is real.
So take a minute, and think. Be aware of your surroundings and actually take the time to listen to people. Often times, the person with the biggest heart is struggling the most and that is not a good way to get through life. It is literal hell to them, so be a good influence.
Be the person who is always kind and caring, the person who takes an interest in other people's lives because, to be honest, you never know when you are going to be the one to change someone's life for the better.
So make it count.
