Many people still assume that the major symptoms of depression are feeling sad and lying in bed all day, contemplating suicide, and other seemingly obvious hurdles that people face on a daily basis.
This viral Twitter thread, posted by @mollybackes, reminds people that what they think it feels like to live every day with depression might not be quite right. That there are symptoms and barriers to living a “normal” existence that non-depressed people probably don’t realize.
She calls it The Impossible Task.
Depression commercials always talk about sadness but they never mention that sneaky symptom that everyone with depression knows all too well: the Impossible Task. pic.twitter.com/lPix73WO2d
— M. Molly Backes (@mollybackes) August 28, 2018
Her thread explains exactly what that means, how it feels, and the way it can affect people’s lives.
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
And just like any other mental health condition, it can be tricky to nail down.
Another cool thing about the Impossible Task is that it changes on you. One time it might involve calling someone, but maybe you can work around it by emailing. Another time it’s an email issue. Then when you think you have it pinned down, you suddenly can’t do the dishes.
— M. Molly Backes (@mollybackes) August 28, 2018
Molly offers advice about coping with the Impossible Tasks and how others can help.
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
She also goes into how people with depression and other mental illnesses can work to be kinder to themselves…
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
And answers some more common questions. Like treatment strategies:
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
And what to do if you’re living with somebody who has depression:
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
Also, what to do if you’re struggling right now:
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
Ultimately, it helps to be kind to yourself and those around you. And for them to return the favor.
Photo Credit: Twitter/mollybackes
One of the best ways to empathize with someone is to walk in their shoes, and this entire thread is a great way to begin doing just that if you’re trying to understand the people in your life who are suffering.
Oh, and Molly had one last thing to share.
Last thing: whenever you’re tempted to beat yourself up for being “lazy,” remember that you fought harder to get out of bed & get yourself dressed today than the average person could even imagine. You’re not lazy. Your mountains are just that much steeper. Keep going. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/W2WaDqR0QC
— M. Molly Backes (@mollybackes) September 2, 2018
Remember this on the hard days, friends and keep moving forward.
You can do it!