The void

One of the recent conversations led down the path of why those who suffer from depression think no one cares. Argument was people care. As someone greatly affected by depression and witnessing people around me suffering from it as well, I could not fully agree. There is still a lot of stigma when it comes to mental issues and most people care only to an extent where it doesn’t cost them anything. Including their time or getting sad, upset themselves.

Those who suffer from depression also feel guilty or embarrassed about their condition a lot and rather scream into the void than talk to the people who are supposed to care. Some cases it actually feels better to talk with a stranger or a professional help than those closest to us. Friends should be there for each other. Unfortunately, not always they are ready for us to break down and needing support.

In some way I even think it is better not to turn to those who care. While talking it out with friends can serve as a relief, most likely they are not very well equipped to deal with these issues themselves. Not saying you should never talk with your friends when you feel down, but don’t expect them to present you with the fix or something other than their sympathy or attempt to cheer you up which usually works only temporary anyway.

Maybe people care, but they are not very well equipped to help. Sometimes their caring can also seem as not caring enough which amplified by emotions and painful feelings can then turn into not caring at all.