Many may assume that depression looks like sadness, but that’s only a small snippet of what depression actually looks like. @PoeticHeroin posted a selfie on Twitter, using the #MyDepressionLooksLike hashtag showing that depression can look like nothing at all.
#MyDepressionLooksLike pic.twitter.com/Z89yCHZ0A2
— Fina Voss™ (@PoeticHeroin) May 22, 2016
The hashtag picked up steam after @SheSeauxSaditty encouraged Twitter users to share their perspective of depression.
If you suffer from depression, you are not alone. If up to it, post a pic with #MyDepressionLooksLike. It looks different for everyone.
— Bicentennial Bae ⚜ (@SheSeauxSaditty) May 22, 2016
Pretty soon, Twitter gave the hashtag a life of its own by breaking down the characteristics of depression from both the inside and outside.
Depression isn’t always visual.
#MyDepressionLooksLike my regular self. I've been at it so long, I've got game face. And If you see my face, I've made it out of the house.
— Kat Kinsman (@kittenwithawhip) May 22, 2016
#MyDepressionLooksLike I'm fine and cracking jokes with you all day only to lay in the dark and cry all night.
— ..Amethyst.. (@Love_Amethyst_) May 22, 2016
It’s an internal battle to keep going.
#mydepressionlookslike being so exhausted mentally and physically that I can't get out of bed.
— Mortemer (@Mort3mer) May 22, 2016
A battle against the stigma of mental health issues in our community.
#MyDepressionLooksLike "why are you sad you have everything in the world you're just being unappreciative"
— Sarah Hamid (@sarhxm) May 22, 2016
#mydepressionlookslike weakness. Black men can't be depressed.
— 1-800-WOKE-AF (@gloed_up) May 22, 2016
It can come with feelings of loneliness.
#MyDepressionLooksLike feeling alone in a life full of people, wanting to be alone yet wanting to be nurtured, thought of, reached out to
— Lovely Sun Glitter (@AquafarE) May 23, 2016
#MyDepressionLooksLike listening to music for hours to block out the loneliness
— JOSHUA (@iRockJoshA) May 22, 2016
Anxiety.
#MyDepressionLooksLike consistently over thinking things I know don't matter, but being unable to shake them
— mack (@themackintosh_) May 22, 2016
Fear.
#mydepressionlookslike keeping hopelessness a secret, encouraging others while doubting myself.
— Sheryl Edelen (@sophiiblu) May 22, 2016
Hiding from those who care.
#MyDepressionLooksLike Withdrawing from the people who care about me because I don't want them to feel bad that they can't help me.
— Keisha (@grlnxtdoorisblk) May 22, 2016
Because you feel like your burdens are an inconvenience.
#mydepressionlookslike having to evaluate whether my problems are severe enough to ask for help bc I don't want to be a constant burden.
— jorie (@pokpokofcolor) May 23, 2016
But also, this means being super present in other’s lives.
#MyDepressionLooksLike telling everyone but myself that they are worthy of living.
— ruhCONNuh (@eversoRoco) May 22, 2016
And hoping that your kindness will some day be returned.
#MyDepressionLooksLike constantly checking in on others hoping that one day they will do the same for me.
— vomit spit (@KatHeartwell) May 22, 2016
If you or someone you know is battling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.