How would you describe depression?

Like having a fistful of sand, and trying to keep every grain of sand in your fist. Cliche, but somedays, everything feels impossible.

A heavy weight just sitting on your chest. It prevents you from getting out of bed, taking care of yourself, even doing the things you love.

Depression is a real illness that impacts the brain. Anyone suffering from depression will tell you, it’s not imaginary or “all in your head.” Depression is more than just feeling “down.” It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression’s many symptoms. Depression is a serious condition. It’s also, unfortunately, a common one. The World Health Organization characterizes depression as one of the most disabling disorders in the world, affecting roughly one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime. It is estimated that 21% of women and 12% of men in the U.S will experience an episode of depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression does not discriminate. Men and women of every age, educational level, and social and economic background suffer from depression. There is no area of life that does not suffer when depression is present. Marriage, parenting, friendships, careers, finances – every aspect of daily living is compromised by this disease. Once an episode of depression occurs, it is also quite likely that it will recur. And the impact of depression can be even more severe when it occurs in combination with other medical illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, or cardiovascular disease, or with related disorders such as anxiety or substance abuse. The problems caused by depression are made worse by the fact that most people suffering from the disease are never diagnosed, let alone treated. The good news is that when depression is promptly identified and treated, its symptoms are manageable and there are many effective strategies for living with the disease. Depression and bipolar disorder are both treated most effectively in their earliest stages when symptoms are less severe.

Stepping into a tiny hole that looks like nothing. Unexpectedly the hole starts to get bigger and deeper and you begin to fall into it and -trying to stop falling and get up but eventually waiting to find the bottom thinking it close- you continue to fall. It seems endless and that's when you realise it's a black hole and it sucking away your happiness. The longer you stay the more happiness it drains and the more difficult it becomes to escape (?) lmao what the hell did I just write XD don't listen to my randomness 😂😂

Know that the emotional pain gives way to literal pain. Know that this pain -- mental and physical -- makes it hard to move.

Depression is like walking down a dark tunnel. others can see the light at the end of the tunnel which gives them motivation to carry on. While some can't see the light. when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, you become hopeless and began to lose faith.

Depression is a fog that distorts how you see things. It can feel like drowning. It can feel like you're alone. But everything that depression tells you is a lie.

I would describe it as something that always eats away at your mind. I myself have depression, but it comes in waves. When I get hit with it from time to time, it's like a raging storm that just consumes and destroys everything. Even when I'm feeling at my best, I know it can hit me at anytime, no matter the situation.

I would say that it feels like you're stuck in the same place never being able to feel happy and really enjoy things

Depression can be like a having your clothes drenched in water at all times, but no one can see it. It's always uncomfortable in different ways, and a great burden from when you get up in the morning until you go to bed in the evening.