Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What I Wish I Could Tell People

IndigoRoses June 1st, 2016

Hello! My name is Caroline, and I have depression. I'm a kind and loving person, but am frequently unhappy because of this. Before I continue, it isn't your fault! In fact, there usually isn't a specific reason for the way I feel.

Depression greatly affects my daily life and can sometimes inhibit my ability to do simple tasks. However, I work very hard every day to be able to function in a normal way.
Even though I try my best to mask my feelings when in public, they are still there. Depression doesn't disappear when I smile or laugh; I am still struggling. If you want to ask me how I'm doing, please be respectful and supportive. Thank you!
When people see my legs for the first time, the reaction is typically negative, and I completely understand. I do have scars, and this is from self-harm, which frequently goes hand-in-hand with depression. This does not make me a dangerous or violent person. It is sometimes difficult to go for long periods of time without injuring myself and when I do, it inflicts both physical and emotional pain. I understand that this is upsetting to think about, but know that I do not do this for attention. Self-harm is something I am not proud of but I'm doing my best to recover.
My depression is not a fabrication or a choice. It does not (and should not) define who I am as a person. If you'd like to ask me questions, that's fine! Just please be respectful and kind because it is a delicate subject. I have a hard time communicating the way I'm feeling, so please do your best to demonstrate patience and support.
I hope you have a wonderful day. Please know that I am also here for you if there is anything you'd like to talk about. I try my best to give as much support as I get. Thank you so much!
5
Rebecca June 1st, 2016

@IndigoRoses

It's so nice to meet you Caroline! You seem like a really lovely person! Your account of your story is something I can relate to a lot, as it's very similar to some of my experiences. I really liked what you said, about not being defined by depression. Many people seem to think that if someone has depression, it will be visible and will consume their entire life. This isn't the case; many people hide their depression or go on with their lives despite their depression. Depression doesn't look the same for everyone, so that also leads to a lack of general understanding and the spreading of misinformation. All of that is just to say that I really appreciated the point you made.

I think you did a really great job expressing your emotions and thoughts. As I was reading your post, I was in awe of the eloquence and clarity in your writing. Furthermore, I think it was very brave of you to open up in the forums as you have! You seem like a very strong person, which I admire a lot.

I hope that your time at 7 Cups is pleasant, and that you can get the support you want/need. I send you my best wishes!

1 reply
IndigoRoses OP June 1st, 2016

@Rebecca Thank you so much! I'm able to express thoughts clearly in writing, but not so much in real life. I would probably never be able to tell someone close to me these things, but I'm glad I wrote it out. I tried to simplify it a little, since people who don't struggle with mental illness would have trouble understanding the way you would, for example. I really appreciate your comment!!

load more
Harry53 June 1st, 2016

@IndigoRoses you have now told people that! I admire your courage! laugh

2 replies
IndigoRoses OP June 1st, 2016

@Harry53 Thanks! I wrote this specifically in a way that someone with no experience with a mental illness would understand, such as a friend. I wish that everyone understood these things and was accepting of them, so I also tried to target common misconceptions and stigma against people suffering from depression.

1 reply
Harry53 June 1st, 2016

@IndigoRoses You did a great job! smiley

load more
load more