A quick online search of “Why don’t I” came with multiple examples of questions often related to depression. This is of course if it isn’t due to some other general medical condition or substance use.
Why don’t I _____ ?
- feel real?
- feel like myself?
- have an appetite?
- feel hungry?
- care about anything?
- have any energy?
Depression can make us feel numb. It can make us feel like we are always tired or can’t seem to get to sleep due to ruminating thoughts. It can make us eat everything in sight or not want to eat anything at all. It can make activities that we once enjoyed feel like a burden and that we don’t have the energy to do those things anymore. We can start to feel like things are hopeless and that we are helpless to change them.
Being alone in our own head can be a dangerous place. We can convince ourselves of anything. Severe depression is often tricky, because it counters any challenges before you have the chance to be excited to explore them. There are times that depressed thinking can even become delusional – thoughts are counter to all evidence, leading a person to believe what has been proven untrue because it feels real.
The best thing a person can do for depression is to socialize. This can look different for different people. Sometimes it’s just getting honest with a support system you already have. Other times it might be trying to find people by going to public places and joining new groups. In rare cases it might even be just sitting on a bench in a public place so you aren’t completely alone with your thoughts. If you have a good idea that you’re sure is right then you should be able to tell someone else just to check.
Depression makes us accept discomfort as the norm and convinces us we can’t change it, but we can change it! We can change everything given time. Shower every day, even if you have no plans. Get out of bed when your alarm goes off and don’t touch your phone until you’ve showered. Go to your local library for community activities. Sign up for one thing new in a hobby or area of interest. Any change will prove depression wrong.
We cannot identify what can possibly change while lying on the floor. Our perspective sucks. We have to stand up and be around others. Our ideas while alone only lead to more despair. It’s time to talk to someone.