How can I begin to describe depression to someone who has never had it?

A funny but true metaphor: Depression is like peeling a potato with a potato. It's difficult, tiring, and feels pointless. But the worst thing is you see everyone else with a peeler. You try and try and try and can never quite get it. And you get frustrated and start to lose hope. You can't see a solution or a way out. Everyone around you tells you that you're over reacting, that it's all in your head. That you're not trying hard enough. They say "why not use a peeler?" And then they hand you another potato. And you either eventually succeed or you give up. And this is why depression is so hard.

I find using this webcomic is a great tool to help describe depression: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca/2011/10/adventures-in-depression.html

well it's different from each individual, i;ts the cancer of the soul, it's like a dark place that you can't escape, it feels like falling down a dark bottomless shaft wondering if and when your fall will ever end or if you'll ever be caught and as you look back to where you fell from you can see it receding further into the distance and light becomes dimmer and dimmer while the shaft into which you are falling becomes deeper and darker. it's like standing underneath a floor of glass banging on it as hard as you can trying to get the attention of others but no one can hear you, it's like a state in which nothing tastes, smells, or feels right, and you are unable to take decisions yet you carry on and so much of the time you just don't have the energy or the desire but you still carry on anyway. its having multiple emotions like fear, despair, emptiness, shame, embarrassment, and inability to recognize the happy fun person you used to be. nothing is enjoyable you cant smile anymore its like you are an actor you have to force the smile to fake it, wanting to scream your lungs out and your head off but you don't know why, when you look in the mirror you only see dead eyes with no spark no joy or hope , you wonder how you'll manage to exist another day, it like drowning and you don't even need water to feel that, and feeling alone in a room full of people. in the end always remember you don't know HALF of it

This video about the "Black Dog" Is a really good portrayal of depression, and gives people a new perspective on it: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc - I'd recommend having a look, and maybe even linking them to it!

The best analogy I have heard used to describe depression is drowning. When suffering from depression you see everyone afloat and swimming well, but you feel stuck. It feels like you can't move no matter how hard you swim. But one day there will be a day when you get rescued. For some it takes longer than others, but you will rescue yourself.

This can be hard, especially because those with depression may experience it differently than others. Could you begin by describing how it makes you feel, how it affects your daily life, and telling others exactly what you need from them to help you? Sometimes others do not know how to react. I like to say," I could use a hug now" or maybe another time, I will say," I need to be alone right now". It is great that you are open to discussing this with others. You are very brave because many do not talk about this. I am very proud of you for reducing the stigma of depression! You are amazing and inspiring!

Sometimes you feel all alone, you see everything but feel nothing..it's like you don't even exist in that place and no one will even notice that you are not into it. Utterly sad, nothing to do, no one to turn to... It feels like the end of every happy moment. Once in a while you will catch your self smiling at little things with some people but the moment you have only yourself for company you feel desolate...empty.. Even basic things that you used to like will feel annoying or downright unhappy. This is how I used to feel before I literally stumbled into 7 cups... It is surprising how just sitting quietly beside a person you trust can be confusing, scary and yet comfort and lighten your load. A HUG works wonders...

First of all, I should say that not everyone's description of depression is the same. To me, depression is feeling useless, a reigning sadness that never fades, incapable, and tired. Your experience might be different. Try to think about how you're feeling, maybe write it down first, and just relate your experience as honestly as you can.

I really need this answer. I find depression word as a fancy way to tell I am sad. Sadness and depression are different things.

If you want to say it simply, you can tell them "Depression is like a big void of sadness, emptiness, and sleepiness that just comes out of nowhere and you can't really get out of it until it leaves."