This Is What Depression Looks Like

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Published by LJ Herman: Jul 03, 2018Updated: Sep 06, 2023

“This is what depression looks like.

No. Not the clean dishes.

But that there were that many dishes in the first place; that I’ve gone 2 weeks without doing them.

Three days ago, I sat on the kitchen floor and stared at them while I cried. I knew they needed to be done. I wanted to do them so bad.

But depression pulled me under. It sucked me in. Like a black hole. Rapidly, sinking quick-sand.

I walked by them morning and night and all day long. And just looked at them. Telling myself I could do them. Telling myself I would. And feeling defeated everyday I didn’t. Making the depression only that much worse because not accomplishing something that needs to be done is failure.

Worthless. Failure. Piece of s–t. Incompetent. Stupid. Lazy.

All the things that roll through the mind of someone with depression. All. Day. Long.

Throw anxiety on top of it, and you’ve got yourself a real treat.

Being scared your husband will leave because he thinks you’re lazy. Being scared to let people into your home because they’ll think you’re nasty. Feeling like you’re failing your kids because for the 3rd night in a row you don’t have any clean dishes to cook dinner on…so pizza it is. Again.

And the worst part of it all, it’s not just with the dishes. The laundry, cleaning, dressing yourself, taking a shower, dressing your kids, brushing your and their teeth, normal everyday tasks. It all becomes a nightmare. A very daunting task. Somedays it doesn’t get done at all.

Depression is something that ‘strong’ people don’t talk about because they don’t want people to think they’re ‘weak.’

You’re not weak. You’ve been strong for so long and through so many things, your body needs a break.

I don’t even care if the only thing you did today was put deodorant on. I’m proud of you for it. Good job. I’m in your corner. I’m on your side.

I’m not looking for sympathy, not in the slightest.

But I am letting everyone know I’m here for you. I get it. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always here to help.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brittany Ernsperger of Milford, Indiana. Subscribe to our free email newsletter, Living Better—your ultimate guide for actionable insights, evidence backed advice, and captivating personal stories, propelling you forward to living a more fulfilling life.