Just Get Over It

"Just get over it”

“Can’t you snap out of it?”

“Why can’t you just be happy?”

“Maybe if you smiled more you wouldn’t feel depressed”

If you have ever been through depression, it is likely you have heard one of the above phrases at one point or another. Comments like this can truly be innocent due to ignorance. The truth of the matter is that anyone who has never struggled with depression can’t truly understand what someone with depression is going through. They can’t understand that life as a whole just feels like it is too much. They can’t understand how something as simple as responding to a text message can seem overwhelming. They don’t understand how the idea of doing laundry start to finish feels paralyzing. You could take the time to explain what depression is and how they can best help support anyone in their life that has depression.

However, sometimes these comments can simply be from assholes who don’t believe in mental health issues. They think it is attention-seeking behavior or simply laziness. At this point, you have two options. One would be to educate the asshole on depression or other mental health issues and hope they become more a empathetic person. The other option is to cut that toxic person out of your because you don’t need that type of negativity in your life and they will only be detrimental to your overall wellbeing. With either option, your life will improve because you will be around positive people who will support you.

Our social network has a profound impact on mental health symptoms. Surround yourself with positive people. People who will check on you and feel stop you from isolating yourself. Be sure to remind yourself daily you are doing the best you can. Acknowledge you are not alone in this. And understand depression or other mental health conditions are not just something you can get over. Seek the help you need today. Whether it is a friend who is a great listener, a therapist, or a helpline operator.