Hi everyone,

You have more than likely come across this word - Depression. Even more now than ever as the world is mourning the loss of a very famous musician.

In this post, I will try explain how depression works. We should not be judgemental and ignore people who are showing signs of it. That is exactly what happened to this musician, he was crying for help in the many, many interviews he had done but no one really paid attention to him until he took his own life.

Social Isolation :

People who suffer will not tell you they are suffering. When you invite them out, they will gladly accept but when the time comes, they will cancel or just ignore the whole thing all together. They don't do it intentionally, they do it because they feel going out is a chore, that no one will like them, people will judge so might as well save the hurt and stay home anyway.

Hopelessness

Where is my life going? What am I doing? Is this worth it? I'm not happy but I don't know what to do. I'm trapped and I feel like noone can help me because they don't understand. Nothing I do is every good enough because I STILL feel like shit.
Now this is what goes on in someones mind if they are depressed.

Abnormal Eating Habits

People turn to anything that will distract them from what they are feeling. Food is one of the things. Someone will either over eat and keep eating until the image they have of themselves also deteriorates and the internal fat shaming starts. Believe me, I tell you this from personal experience.
A person will also stop eating or eat very little. There is little or no appetite and having food is just another chore. The food doesnt even taste good.

Pushing People Away

Someone who suffers will do this. They will save no to everything. They won't be smiling, they will be boring and quiet. It's not because thats their personality, its because they are trying to keep themselves afloat and wonder what is wrong with them that they are not as happy as you are. That leads to low confidence, even more isolation because of no self worth. It's just a horrible cycle.

There are many other symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, persistent crying, self harm but I have explained the most basic things to look out for.

If you know someone suffering, take them out for coffee, spend time with them even if they are boring. You have have been the only person who made an effort. You may be their shining light. Its all it takes. One act of kindness.

If you have found this post useless, please share this. The more people who know, the closer we are to saving one person at a time.

I have also posted a brief history about depression. If you are interested, please follow the link -
https://steemit.com/life/@whatawombat/depression-a-brief-history