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> Depression manifests itself differently in different people. Sure, but just because someone says they are depressed doesn't make them so. And that belittles

> Depression manifests itself differently in different people. Sure, but just because someone says they are depressed doesn't make them so. And that belittles people who really are depressed as opposed to those simply bored with life. None of this is to say that depression is the same for everyone. I have 2 children with Autism, and I myself have been recently diagnosed with 2 conditions. It's scary, but it makes me appreciate the danger in abusing terms like depression. This is all a way of saying that I hope everyone posting here saying they are depressed or that deal with depression seek help. There is no reason not to get help. Yes, it's scary. Sometimes you'll go in to find out what's wrong, and guess what? You learn you have something else to contend with as well! But at least you know, and awareness is important.

coroxout 14y ago
I absolutely agree with your last paragraph: seek help. However, I find "just because someone says they are depressed doesn't make them so. And that belittles people who really are depressed" a dangerous attitude with regards to that. When I was younger I was quite seriously depressed but I didn't seek help for ages because I'd heard people say "oh, depression isn't just feeling sad, you shouldn't use the word depression lightly". I thought maybe I was just being stupid and lazy because I probably wasn't a special enough flower to have this mystical thing. I should really have looked for help a lot sooner. So, if you're having problems, don't worry about what they are or aren't called or what other people say - look for any help you can find.
- jasonlotito 14y ago
  I disagree. By allowing people to use the word depression to mean "sad" or "upset" or "pissed" or "bored," or whatever word they replace it with, we are doing those with depression more harm. If someone says they are depressed, we should tell them they need to get diagnosed. Treating it less than it is, I think, does more harm. > I should really have looked for help a lot sooner. But you didn't, precisely because people use the word far too lightly far too often.
  - rhizome 14y ago
    Who are you to second-guess what any particular person means when they use the word, "depressed?" Just curious.

coroxout 14y ago

I absolutely agree with your last paragraph: seek help. However, I find "just because someone says they are depressed doesn't make them so. And that belittles people who really are depressed" a dangerous attitude with regards to that. When I was younger I was quite seriously depressed but I didn't seek help for ages because I'd heard people say "oh, depression isn't just feeling sad, you shouldn't use the word depression lightly". I thought maybe I was just being stupid and lazy because I probably wasn't a special enough flower to have this mystical thing. I should really have looked for help a lot sooner. So, if you're having problems, don't worry about what they are or aren't called or what other people say - look for any help you can find.

jasonlotito 14y ago
I disagree. By allowing people to use the word depression to mean "sad" or "upset" or "pissed" or "bored," or whatever word they replace it with, we are doing those with depression more harm. If someone says they are depressed, we should tell them they need to get diagnosed. Treating it less than it is, I think, does more harm. > I should really have looked for help a lot sooner. But you didn't, precisely because people use the word far too lightly far too often.
- rhizome 14y ago
  Who are you to second-guess what any particular person means when they use the word, "depressed?" Just curious.