Thank you so much! This was very helpful!! I really hope I make it as realistically as posible too So you’re fine now I guess as you talked in past?
depression is kind of weird, like its not like the flu where you wake up one day feeling like death but more of a gradual thing (or at least for me). its kind of hard to realize in the moment when the day-to-day changes are so subtle. for me I kind of stop taking care of myself, like I stop eating, showering, sleeping (like ill sleep one night then the next stay awake until its time for work or whatever then just kind of get up and go…its a terrible habit and lasts for months) - not all at once but overtime it gets really noticeable.
ive always had the idea that when things go wrong, people either get anxious or get angry (maybe other things too but predominantly those). im the angry type - but you’d probably never know unless I told you. im a really happy and bubbly person and my biggest pitfall is that I run tf away from negative emotions and just stuff 'em down until I have a big ole mess of unresolved anger in me that i like refuse to acknowledge is there lol.
i love heavy metal and joke that it helps me release my “inner rage” but like…it kind of does
Part of my diagnosis is depression. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to message me.
Thanks for you help! I will keep that in mind. Although would you say that if you fall into a depression that is caused by someones death would still be gradually? Like at first you would ve bearing and you would slowly lost your energy or just suddenly bc it has a cause that is sudden?
Yeah I get what you say (partially) I also run from negative emotions but if you ever need someone to talk to I’m here and if you want to be friends too, you look very nice
Alright! Thnx
Hope you get better and if you ever need someone to talk to… here I am!
I know that I shouldn’t say get better, like it’s not the flu but I don’t know how to say it sorry
Thank you I’m doing okay, now. I’m medicated and in counseling.
I think it’s okay to say better. I appreciate your concern on how to say it, though.
aw ofc I think a situation like a death of a loved one would be more immediate but depending on the person it might look different. like some people might immediately go into their little black hole and engage with the physical manifestation of their pain and then other people (who are stubborn as hell smh me) could be in a hole too but refuse to acknowledge it bc everything is dandy and life is fab.
and aww would love to be your friend
I’m glad to hear that!! I wish you keep getting better
Of course, someone pretty close to me has a similar problem and I’m not rlly sure how to help her so I at least try not to be unconsiderate with it
Ok! I will keep that in mind!
Awww thnx
now you can tell me everything that bother you jeje just kidding
Glad it might’ve helped a bit. And Yes you are right, I’m fine now, all that was a few years ago but I got help and now here I am.
Glad to hear that
The key to writing depression is to not making it obvious like in my experience most people that I know who had or having depression, it was hard to notice.
The way books and films portray it as everyone realising that he/she is depressed is actually quite inaccurate. Yeah for some people yeah but the scariest thing about depression is that many people don’t realize it not even the victim themselves.
Most people that are depressed are either indifferent or wear a fake smile, they slowly start losing interest in things that they enjoy, start detaching slowing from family and friends, always in a bitter mood (they might not express it though), feeling mentally and physically drained even though they do absolutely nothing, random body aches, feel like that nothing is worth it.
The key is to write it slowly and making it less obvious for those around. Before depression, if they were a really bubbly character don’t suddenly make them grumpy and moody, take your time and give small hints through out the story.
Ummm that makes sense! But what if someone died and that was the reason for the character to be depressed? I mean he would naturally be sad so how do I make it more accurate? I mean would you make him go back to normal but with small hints or just let the people around him give him some time and then they start realizing he isn’t recovering?
Obviously everyone is different and you know your character best.
If the character is a child obviously they would grieve due to the death and they might experience mood swings and the symptoms that I have mentioned but the character probably wouldn’t realise that they are depressed. They might act out or might go into a black hole and sit there.
If the character was an adult they would mourn but might try to get back to their feet cuz they have responsibilities but slowly fall into the pit of depression… I mean it’s very hard to write cuz depression isn’t like the flu where you wake up and bam you know your ill…
But it’s ultimately your decision, if you want them to immediately fall into the pit then go ahead or you can give it time.
I just said to make it slow cuz many writers don’t do that and in epi 1 we know that they have depression, it might make the story different, that’s why i suggested it.
I mean, I’m 15 and currently depressed but I walk around all aloof with no care in the world but secretly i’m dying. I also had depression back when I was 10 but I had no idea it was depression and with time it healed…
Even now nobody realises that I’m depressed even though I’m constantly bitter, tired and detached. I’m just misunderstood. Many people still don’t understand depression as an illness so people automatically jumping to the conclusion is quite rare actually. Even people who show severe symptoms are classed as acting out, lazy, attention- seeker so whether or not the character falls into the pit slow or fast, you should probably make people around him oblivious to the fact if you want something realistic.
I will! Thank you so much for your help I will do as you’re told me
I’m sorry to hear that, if you ever need someone to talk to I’m here. I know we don’t know each other but they say it’s easier to talk to strangers
Thank you! It’s nice hearing that. Writing, reading and helping people to write is my therapy so you’re already helping.
Ok then! Hope it gets better
Thank you and good luck with your story!