Broken arms.

[Orneb]

Having a broken arm sucks.

It’s painful, it keeps you from doing things you want to do, it limits your ability to accomplish things.

But at least people understand it.

Nobody tells someone with a broken arm to just push through it. Or “fake it till you make it”. Or that it’s all in your head. Or that you’re just being lazy. Or that you don’t want to get better. Or “I’ve had a broken arm at some point in my life, too.”

People don’t understand how similar having depression and having a broken arm are.

It’s painful.

It’s not a choice.

It’s a real condition.

It limits your capacity to do work.

It keeps you from doing things you enjoy.

Things can be done that can help fix it.

I’m the short term (Medication/Casts)

And in the long term (Various treatments/a metal rod in the arm.)

Medicine can also make it hurt less, while not necessarily healing it. (Painkillers)

It can be caused by traumatic events.

You can’t completely control when it gets better.

“Just operate as if its not there” is terrible advice.

The point of this comparison is to tell you that the people around you telling you that you don’t have a problem are wrong. And that pretending it isn’t there is only going to hurt yourself further.

I’m not saying you won’t need to push yourself, physical therapy is important in rebuilding strength in your arm. But it’s important to do it in an environment that sets you up for success, not failure.

Good luck to everyone with their broken arms.

[Hidden]

I hear what you’re saying. I’ve had too many people telling me I’m being lazy when I was really very depressed and just needed some time alone! It’s important to try to get some help if you think you need it. Get some therapy or try taking an antidepressant. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it takes strength to ask for help. With depression it’s important to catch it early before it becomes too overwhelming, it can be like a snowball that turns into an avalanche. I really like what you wrote there, I wish more people would try to understand.

[LifeIsThePitts]

Such deep insight for your age, buddy! I'm impressed with your understanding of the nuances of mental health. I'm 48 and JUST figuring all this out for the first time. I only wish I had your outlook at your age. I lost my mom when I was 19 and my emotional world and development ceased at that moment. I've been trapped in a 19 y/o stunted mind until this year. I've heard every shitty message you posted and more from my inner critic, family and society in general all my life. But not any longer. I love seeing positive affirmations and support like yours. Thanks for renewing a little faith in humanity for me today.I believe Your generation will make huge strides forward on the acceptance of mental health on a world wide basis.