• 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Join the riot newsletter
  • Wishlist
RunwayRiot
fashion for all women


  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Gift Ideas
  • About Runway Riot
  • Fitness
  • News
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Designers
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Wish
list
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Designers
    • Gift Ideas
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Guilty Pleasures
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Self-care
  • Current Obsessions
  • The Latest
  • Wearing Makeup to the Gym vs. Arriving Fresh-Faced
  • NYFW Runway Shows: Expectations vs. Reality
  • 6 Wacky Beauty Hacks to Try
  • How I Practice Self-Care
Depression vs. “Feeling Depressed”
by Lauren Hart | January 24, 2017 at 8:43 AM
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

“Oh my God, I’m just so depressed.” We’ve all heard it before. Our friend or coworker or parent says it and we know what it means immediately. But does that mean that its meaning is as simple as we perceive it to be?

As someone who is clinically depressed, I know that whoever uses the word “depression” in that way never intends to do me or anyone else harm. But it’s important to know the difference between that and clinical depression. More people need to be educated about what depression really is as well as alternatives to the oh-so-common phrase. So, let’s get to the bottom of “Depression vs. Feeling Depressed” debate:

Major Depressive Disorder, as defined in the DSM-5, is “depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for more than two weeks.” So no, if your favorite TV show gets canceled or the barista doesn’t get your Starbucks order right, “feeling depressed” doesn’t cover it. It’s much more than your everyday ailments and struggles; the disorder can be crippling and hinder life in general. To give you an idea of what depression looks like, I’ll describe what my average day was before medication:

I’d wake up. I’d go back to sleep. I’d wake up at 3 P.M. I wouldn’t eat until 5. I’d hear a song and get taken back to an old memory. I’d start to cry. I’d drop something on the floor. I’d get irrationally riled up about it. I’d watch TV for 10 hours and fall asleep. I’d do it all over again.

So here’s how we can change the way we talk about depression: For starters, we can try to understand what depression is and know the signs so we can help other people. We can also try to expand our vocabulary and use more basic words. For instance, you could say you’re “sad,” “disappointed,” “angry,” etc. It takes work to get to a point where it’s automatic, but that’s okay.

What’s important to the mentally ill like myself is that other people try to be more conscientious and understand our points of view. It is important to educate others on what depression really is as a disorder and recognize that it is also okay to be depressed. It’s okay not to be okay and it encouraged to speak out about it. The way we change how we talk about mental illness is by keeping open hearts and minds.

About the Author
blank

Lauren Hart

I'm from San Antonio, an HTX fit instructor, curve model, mental health advocate, and body positive warrior!
Connect with me:
  • My website
  • Twitter
I Want That!
Leith
Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
Buy Me + Wishlist
$69.00
Dior
Lip Sugar Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm
Buy Me + Wishlist
$33.00
Stella McCartney
Embroidered Denim Shoulder Bag
Buy Me + Wishlist
$990.00
Too Faced
Sweet Peach Palette
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$49.00
City Chic
Open Spots Sweater (Plus Size)
Buy Me + Wishlist
$79.00
Natori
Jolie Underwire Demi Bra
Buy Me + Wishlist
$140.00
Etsy – SlitWeave
Side Cut Yoga Leggings
Gotta Have It + Wishlist
$38.00
Giuseppe Zanotti
Leopard saftey-pin sandal
Shop now + Wishlist
$497.50
Shellys London
Dalia Open Toe Mule
Buy Me + Wishlist
$108.95
Chanel
Le Top Coat, Tinted Top Coat
Buy Me + Wishlist
$28.00
City Chic
Sexy Pins Coated Skinny Jeans (Plus Size)
Buy Me + Wishlist
$89.00
SLINK Jeans
Trendy Plus Size Embroidered Paige Wash Skinny Jeans
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$118.00
19 Female Professional Athletes Who Are Changing The Way We Look At Fashion
November 7, 2017 at 3:12 PM
11 Body Confident Trends for Transitional Wear
November 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM
The Power of 11: How to Align With Your True Self
February 14, 2017 at 12:50 PM
The Best Single Statement Shirts to Wear this Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Couples That Workout Together Stay Together
February 14, 2017 at 2:39 AM
RunwayRiot
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Sitemap
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Stories
Join the riot
© 2023 RunwayRiot, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
  • FAQ
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Design
  1. Mediaite
  2. The Mary Sue
  3. RunwayRiot
  4. LawNewz
  5. Gossip Cop