What's Depression Like?

So, this is my personal experience.

“What’s depression like?” They ask.

It’s everyday wearing a simple mask,

Hiding the way you feel

Behind a smile that’s not real.

But it’s more than that, it’s like being alive,

Without any motivation to strive.

It’s fighting not to cry,

To keep your tear ducts dry.

It’s not being able to tell a friend,

Even though they may help mend.

Because the fear that they will turn away

Is far greater than the hope that they will stay.

It’s like drowning, the air in your chest turning to stone,

But everybody around you is breathing, lost in their own little zone.

Not knowing what to do, no matter what you say,

Because it ends up being wrong anyway.

It’s being put on a “happy pill” that makes you smile,

But it only lasts for a little while.

And once it’s gone, never to return,

It’s something else’s turn.

It’s always feeling alone,

Not liking anybody’s tone.

The sarcastic, snide and scornful.

The mocking, moaning and mournful.

You’d think people would be willing to assist,

But let me tell you, they normally resist.

You say we shouldn’t be afraid, we should have no fear,

But look at what people say at just a single tear.

Author's Note

You can agree or disagree, but this was how I felt during my days of depression. I've gotten better, but I felt like people should understand what it's like.

Reviews

[Lord of mad men]

You hit the nail on the head. This is what depression is. Depression is a fact of my life I have learned to hide some times eve. From my self my mask is not simple though its has grown to a new glass face. But on good blow it is gone yours truely a mad lord

[jesserose99]

Thank you for writing this I think it is something that needs a light shined on it. I can relate with my own personal struggles and I thought your description of not liking anyone's tone was brilliant. Sometimes it seems like they all have a nasty tone because there is almost a stigma with depression, if they know you aren't happy, some people get snide anyway. It is a great deal perspective too, because it is so much easier to see the true intent or feel a vibe from somebody that is negative when you are fighting depression. I really enjoyed this, and appreciate you expressing this so well and sharing with everybody!!

[Silent Wolf]

The worst part is, it's often easy to mistake the vibes of another person through the course of depression and end up pushing them away, furthering your descent into loneliness, all of which I did. Thank you so much for reading of and feedback on my poem. :)

[jesserose99]

I don't know why but your response gets cut off at 'course of depr..." Argh... I don't know what happned. do you mind sending what you finished saying again...if it isn't too much trouble.

[Silent Wolf]

Perhaps refresh the page. There should be a "read more" button that you click to see the rest. But yeah, here's what I said:

The worst part is, it's often easy to mistake the vibes of another person through the course of depression and end up pushing them away, furthering your descent into loneliness, all of which I did. Thank you so much for reading of and feedback on my poem. :)

[jesserose99]

Your so welcome..thanks so much for sending again, and thanks for sharing...was really amazing poem.

[David Scott]

Great poetry!
Depression is a real issue. I've lived it.
You words will help many who feel alone and misunderstood.
Our society is not ready to accept or embrace healing those who suffer. There is way too much judgement out there from the blessed folks who have never felt depressed. They think sadness and depression are the same thing.
Wonderful poetry!

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you for the review, and I agree that there is far too much judgement.

[KittyKatgirl]

This is amazing and beautifully well written even though it is sad. Every single line is highly accurate. I know I have said this before, but I'm saying it again lol, I will always be here if you need or want to talk. You are a beautiful talented writer who has a hell of a lot potential and I admire your bravery for putting your feelings and thoughts on paper so others know they're not alone.

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you so much. :) I wanted people to understand what it's like to have depression.

[KittyKatgirl]

You're welcome :) And yeah most people just think it's all about cutting and ignoring everyone but there's much more to it. You did a great job.

[Lily Finch]

Yeah, so true.....well penned...i can understand what you are telling....

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you. :)

[Lily Finch]

You Welcome :)

[Fallen Angel]

I love this poem. :)!Sad, of course, but it's very well written. I also suffer from this. Please always feel free to talk to me. 😊 I'm always willing to listen if you need someone to talk to. Love you!

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you, and the same goes for you. :)

[Dead]

Wow this is really accurate. It's a sad subject but I love the way you wrote it... Great job :)

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you. :)

[Priscilla Sayers]

Brilliant and honest truth is revealed with delicate calculated relate -ability
A great piece

[marie]

This is such an elegant way of putting this... I have struggled with this malady for years now, and I can say there are days of ups and downs. The most important thing is you remember what keeps you going.(for me it was four little girls who I know look up to me) Thank you for such a lovely piece my friend.

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you for taking the time to read this. There's always that one thing keeping us going, and for me it was my friends and grandpa. *higs* hopefully things get better.

[marie]

It's like a roller coaster with highs and lows as I stated, thank you though!!:) I know you have likely already heard this, but message me if you need anything!:)

[HippieSoulPunx]

I have depression, too, and I relate to every single word. Well, I am able to talk to my friends about it, so not quite with that part, but sometimes even when you know you have support, you feel so alone that you push people away, or think you're a burden. It's a hell of a struggle, and you've captured that experience so perfectly, I'm actually amazed.

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you. I talk from experience here. I wanted people to understand what it's like, and knowing that I hit it right on the nail head makes me feel a bit better, as I've been getting so many replies saying that it's exactly right. :) if you ever need to talk, I'm always here.

[Cari]

That's amazing. I'm speechless and not because I feel that I have nothing to say but because I can relate.

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you. *hugs*

Recently, I've been thinking about this poem a lot, and I think I might write a similar poem that I can use for slam poetry. :3

[Cari]

You're most welcome. I think that you most certainly should. You have a beautiful gift. I think that there a lot of people in the world who suffer with the same personal conflict and sadly most are in hiding. Writing, for those who have the gift, is like an outlet and for those who feel that writing is not something that they can do at least have the writing of those who can to read and to relate to. The easiest way to accept our sadness and then over come it is to know that someone else out there is feeling the same so we are in fact not crazy and not the only one feeling all these indescribable emotions.

[Silent Wolf]

Thank you. I have started to take control over my life again, but there are times when I do feel like this still... Depression never goes away, I think.

Personally, I think everybody should write, even if they aren't good at it. When I first started writing, i was horrible at it. Another thing that helped me besides writing and reading things like it was listening to music. And yes, it's always a good thing to know that you're not alone when you're suffering, that people out there are suffering from the same thing. And I have decided to help people and to give a voice to how we feel sometimes.

[Cari]

I think that it's very admirable to share your writing and I also belive that writing is in fact something that people should never keep to themselves, for me writing is the voice behind my voice. I only just joined today and your poem was the first thing I read, it was in that moment that I knew I found the perfect home for my little voice. I joined because I am going through a lot of things right now myself and I have suffered all my life with chemical depression so it doesn't take much to send me off the bend but with lost of practice and some self control I learned to deal. And I couldn't agree with you more, everyone really should write! I posted up my very first piece and I would love for you to read it and tell me what you think. it is based on exactly what we are talking about. It is the first time I've ever written anything that I have shared I've always been slightly reserved and a little insecure about the things I write but like I said I just know that my writing is at home here.

[Silent Wolf]

Welcome to the community! Just a few tips from an experienced member:
1) When you get a comment on your profile, reply with a comment on the other person's profile. It gives them a notification, and then they'll reply sooner to your comment. :)
2) If you get involved with the right people on here, then I highly doubt you'll have any problems. The thing is, there are people who join here (as with any other site) who will try to get info from you or something. If you get a message from somebody asking you to message them on their personal email or anything, just block the person (as I do). Most people I meet on here are nice. The first ten people in my friends list are great people to befriend. :) I'd suggest sending them a friend request and checking out some of their work as well. :)
3) I'd recommend at least skimming profile infos, because they might mention something important, such as "I only accept friend requests if _____ requirements are met..."

Other than that, welcome, and enjoy! :) Of course I'll check out your work. :) It's only fair. :)