Some emotions are hard to explain.
By Emily Ratay — Written on May 17, 2017
Depression can hit people in a multitude of different ways.
An outgoing and social person might suddenly start withdrawing from their friends and family, which would be an easy way to tell that something is wrong, while an introverted individual might be going through the same thing without anyone realizing there’s been a change.
Depending on the type of person you are, symptoms of depression might be easier or harder to notice by your loved ones, and even yourself.
More often than not, you tend to feel like life isn’t worth living anymore, asking yourself things like, “If I don’t care about being alive or being happy, why should anyone else?”
Depression can twist your thoughts into terrible things, making it almost impossible to feel good about anything, even if you put serious effort into making yourself feel better.
Many people dealing with depression mistake the symptoms for laziness or lethargy, brushing off the seriousness of the signs of depression.
But not being able to get out of bed, being unable to shower or eat on a regular basis, and even tossing and turning all night long can all be indications that you may be depressed; I promise, you aren’t just “lazy.”
I have sat in my car countless times crying over absolutely nothing, chalking it up to PMS symptoms instead of thinking that maybe something else was going on.
And, even after I realized I did need help, it took me forever to confide in someone, simply too scared of what they might think of me.
But if I had paid more attention to the thoughts I was thinking, or had someone explain to me what depression feels like, I might have been more confident about getting help.
Realizing you might have depression can be very scary, but going at it alone is scarier.
Whether you’re in the exploration phase right now, trying to figure out if you really do have depression, or trying to work up the courage to seek help, it’s always easier to have a support system behind you.
Because the important thing to realize is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
To illustrate that point, we collected these quotes about depression that really nail what the experience feels like, the harsh insidious lies that we tell to ourselves about our self-worth every day. If you recognize yourself in any of these depression quotes, it might be a sign that you should seek out help.
OR if you're having a hard time getting the people in your life to realize that depression feels like, share these quotes with them to give examples of the sorts of things we tell ourselves when depression and anxiety take ahold of us.
(If you are struggling with depressive thought, you can find that helpful resources online at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC), or by phone.)
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.
On how depression can hit you at any time.
“Depression isn’t always at 3am, sometimes it hits you at 3pm when you’re with friends and you’re halfway through a laugh and suddenly stop.”
On feeling worthless.
“I’m so ashamed of myself all the time. I just feel like I’m worthless and replaceable.”
On never feeling like you're enough.
“Not smart enough. Not pretty enough. Not talented enough. Not skinny enough. Not good enough.”
On being sad for no reason.
“The worst kind of sad is not being able to explain why.”
On feeling guilty for being depressed.
“I feel like I don’t have the right to be depressed when so many people have it worse.”
On being controlled by your thoughts.
“When you’re depressed you don’t control your thoughts. Your thoughts control you.”
On feeling disconnected.
“I feel so disconnected from the world, and I feel like no one even notices me or cares about me anymore.”
On being tired of trying.
“I’m exhausted from trying to be stronger than I feel.”
On sleep.
“Sleep just isn’t sleep anymore, it’s an escape.”
On trying to hide how you really feel.
“Depression is not being able to talk about your problems, while also taking on everyone else’s just to hide your own.”
On feeling empty.
“That feeling when you’re not necessarily sad, but you just feel really empty.”
On blaming yourself.
“I say ‘sorry’ a lot. Mostly because I feel like everything is my fault.”