Depression is often described as a "condition" or "disorder," something "wrong" with the person experiencing it. While this way of looking at it can be helpful for diagnosis and treatment, it tends to oversimplify what is a deeply personal and complex experience.
Having struggled with depression myself, I believe that instead of seeing depression as a standalone condition, it can be more useful to understand it as a response or a symptom arising from a mix of things relating to your internal self and your external enrivonment. This way of thinking can allow for greater compassion, a more rounded understanding, and a more balanced approach to healing.
It also welcomes a certain level of separation from the "disorder" that allows for more effective healing - you are not depression.
Depression is more than just feeling down - it’s when these negative or numbing feelings stick around and start to affect how a person thinks, acts, and even feels physically. People sometimes call depression a “condition” or “disorder,” but that makes it sound like it’s just something inherently wrong with the person, doesn't it? While these labels can help doctors figure out what’s going on, depression is much more complicated and personal than just a label.
Instead of just seeing depression as a condition, it can be more helpful to think of it as a signal. Depression is like a warning that something deeper needs to be fixed. It might happen because of stressful situations, big changes in life, or even past experiences that were hard to deal with. Depression isn’t just a thing that happens for no reason - it usually comes from a mix of things happening inside the person (past experiences, perspective, self-worth) and in their environment (home life, relationships, work and school etc.).
When we’re sick, like with a cold or fever, our body gives us signals - fever is our body’s way of telling us that something isn’t right. In the same way, depression is a signal from your brain saying that something needs attention. Sometimes it happens because a person feels lonely, sad, or scared, or because they’ve gone through something tough, like losing someone important. If stress builds up and no one talks about it, that can also lead to depression.
Looking at depression as a signal, instead of just a “problem,” helps people understand that it’s not their fault. Depression is not a “personal failing.” It’s a way our minds let us know that we need to fix something, like making sure we’re getting enough support or time to relax. It’s also helpful because it helps people be kinder to themselves. Instead of feeling broken, they can see depression as something that can be worked through.
To get better, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the depression in the first place. Sometimes, talking to a counsellor or therapist can help you understand what’s going on. It’s also important to take care of your body - getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active can make a big difference in how you feel. Spending time outside and being around people you care about also helps fight off feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Even though depression is tough, there are ways to feel better. Friendships, talking to people you trust, and finding ways to relax can help lift your mood. Working on problems that are bigger, like unfair treatment or stress at school or work, is also important.
The most important thing to remember is that depression is not forever. It’s a message from your brain that something in your life isn’t right, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be helped. With the right support, it’s possible to understand the message and start feeling better. By listening to what’s going on, learning how to deal with emotions, and making small changes to take care of yourself, you can heal and grow stronger.