From my perspective there’s two issues being addressed:
People expect depressed people to always look depressed. So in turn if you are smiling and/or having a good moment people assume you can’t be depressed.
The prevalence of toxic positivity in our society. „How are you?“ having to be answered with „good/great“ or something similar in most circumstances. An expectation of upholding an image and/or not burdening others.
These two might also feed into each other. A depressed person might not feel seen and/or might feel like a burden. Which most likely worsens their depression.
Nobody knew I had near-constant suicidal ideation until I finally told someone outright. It’s not a desire for suicide, but constant rehearsal, like an “earworm” song you don’t like, but can’t get rid of.
The sad thing is, if you don’t ask, you might never know. People mask well. So if you have a loved one, and things are superficial with that person, FIX THAT SHIT. Talk personally. Get close, try to get them talking. Give them an in to open up.
Hopefully you won’t be surprised to find they felt alone and unloved after they’re gone.
Haha, you should go look at my comment history. I just mined myself a whole bunch of downvotes in a situation because I’m a default asshole.
I’m taking a radical transparency tactic these days. I feel like I’ve been covering and hiding enough, keeping up appearances. I’m not trying to be unpleasant, by no means. I actually apologized in the downvoted thread, because I was clearly in the wrong.
Nonetheless, in the future I am plowing straight ahead, come what may. Maybe you should reserve your downvotes for things that you’re passionate about though.
The truth is I’m here for connection, not affection.
edit: nevermind
From my perspective there’s two issues being addressed:
These two might also feed into each other. A depressed person might not feel seen and/or might feel like a burden. Which most likely worsens their depression.
Nobody knew I had near-constant suicidal ideation until I finally told someone outright. It’s not a desire for suicide, but constant rehearsal, like an “earworm” song you don’t like, but can’t get rid of.
The sad thing is, if you don’t ask, you might never know. People mask well. So if you have a loved one, and things are superficial with that person, FIX THAT SHIT. Talk personally. Get close, try to get them talking. Give them an in to open up.
Hopefully you won’t be surprised to find they felt alone and unloved after they’re gone.
edit: nevermind
Haha, you should go look at my comment history. I just mined myself a whole bunch of downvotes in a situation because I’m a default asshole.
I’m taking a radical transparency tactic these days. I feel like I’ve been covering and hiding enough, keeping up appearances. I’m not trying to be unpleasant, by no means. I actually apologized in the downvoted thread, because I was clearly in the wrong.
Nonetheless, in the future I am plowing straight ahead, come what may. Maybe you should reserve your downvotes for things that you’re passionate about though.
The truth is I’m here for connection, not affection.
I think the point is talking about it, so both the picture and your comment go hand in hand. Both are the start of a conversation.