Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?
amisfit
on
Sep 20, 2016
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Yes you do. They are tricked into believing that they shouldn’t feel down because some people have it worse, but it doesn’t work and they can’t control the things that make them feel sad, they end up hating themselves because they feel like bad people. It’s true that whatever you may be going through, someone out there is going through something worse, but don’t confuse feeling bad with not being grateful. They are two complete different things that people associate with one another. Be grateful for what you have but know that feeling upset is absolutely fine, it’s something natural and never apologize or feel bad for the things that make you upset.Â
Anonymous
on
Jun 26, 2016
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No matter who you are or what you have been through, no human being in this world is immune to mental illness. Don't ever be ashamed of who you are or feel like you do not have the right to seek help. Everybody deserves the right to be healthy.
Anonymous
on
Jul 21, 2016
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Absolutely!
When I was 13 or so, I was extremely depressed. Unfortunately, my family wouldn't let me get the help I needed. My parents believed it was impossible for me to have any problems at all. The thing is, I was privileged as well. My parents were together, I had my own bedroom, and I had food.
I had problems too. My mom was verbally abusive, I was friendless, and I had a bad relationship with my parents. I was depressed, I self harmed, and nobody understood how horrible I felt.
Everytime I had a problem, my mom would say I was just feeling sorry for myself. I feel like a selfish, worthless human being who didn't deserve my life. (I could go into detail about some other things that happened to contribute to my depression, but I'd get a bit carried away.)
Listen,
No matter what you're going through, or how privileged you are, you have the right to feel depressed. And you also have the right to chat with me anytime. @alexisheretohelpyou2
Anonymous
on
Jul 1, 2016
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No one needs "permission" to be depressed - if you have depression, then you are depressed. But to answer your question: yes, you do. Depression doesn't take privileges into account. Even if you're privileged in other ways, this is one way that you are not.
Anonymous
on
Jul 6, 2016
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Yes you do! Just because you're privileged doesn't make you any different. You're still a human being with feelings.
Anonymous
on
Jun 28, 2016
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Of course you do. Depression can affect anyone at all. Mental illness doesn't discriminate. If you feel depressed you should talk to your doctor about the signs and symptoms in order to find a solution. Good luck! All the best.
JBlue
on
Jul 2, 2016
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Feelings are never something one earns; they simply are. And feeling depressed is not a pleasant thing in the first place; the right NOT to feel depressed would be worth fighting for! It sounds as if either others, or you yourself in your self-talk, dismiss your negative feelings by pointing to positive things, and suggesting that it is somehow wrong to feel depressed so long as anyone else in the world has things worse in some way. But this is not a very sensible view; it almost seems uniquely reserved to feelings of depression. For instance, suppose you were very wealthy and you broke your arm; nobody would even consider suggesting that you "have no right" to a broken arm, or to the feeling of pain that accompanies it. Someone might say, "At least you can afford a doctor" or "Broken arm or not, you're still wealthy." Neither of these responses, however factually true they might be, strikes me as particularly helpful or empathetic. The same is true regarding depression. It may be easier to understand why someone in a less privileged position might feel depressed, but that seems far removed from the fact of feeling depressed despite that, and useful responses to it.
Anonymous
on
Aug 5, 2016
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Of course you do. Everyone has their high and low points in life and being "privileged" doesn't change that. In fact, it's kinda irrelevant. I'm fully aware that word is often thrown around by people these days to win an argument or to further depress / upset so I would honestly suggest ignoring anyone who tries to call you 'privileged'.
Anonymous
on
Oct 8, 2016
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Feelings aren't about rights, they are not good nor bad, they just are. You can not control a feeling more than you control a sneeze. If you feel deepressed, you feel depressed. You will have better success healing from your suspected depression by acknowleding it head-on rather than trying to second-guess or judge it.
Anonymous
on
Jul 17, 2016
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Of course! Life is not easier because you are privileged, it is just different. Everyone has the right to feel and sometimes the way that we feel is not always good. You also have the right to express your feelings. If you are feeling depressed, talk about it. Everyone feels down sometimes and having someone to talk to can really help. Sometimes talking to strangers is easier, sometimes talking to someone that we care about is. Ultimately, it feels good to get it off our chests and to be honest with ourselves about what we are feeling.
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