Behind the Mask of Depression

Multitudes of people are impacted by depression and anxiety both directly and indirectly. Depression causes indescribable loneliness. Even when surrounded by family and friends, a person may feel like they are in complete exile. The slightest thing can cause a wave of emotion and lead to unstoppable tears. It brings a flood of memories and irrational thoughts. It can turn a strong, capable, independent person into an unrecognizable mess. The depressed person knows that their pain doesn't make sense to anyone else. They learn to fake normal. They use a smile to hide the truth. When someone lives with depression and anxiety, they learn that others don't deal well with the craziness. People are uncomfortable with the vulnerability. Many don't even want try to understand such honest and raw emotion. Those suffering from depression feel things deeply. Those feelings are often so intense that it's hard to process them. They don't know what to do with the pain and there are no words to explain it. So, they put on a mask and attempt to hide the internal battle from the world. It works for a while, until it doesn't. Then, they isolate themselves to prevent anyone from seeing their weakness. If they open up at all, it's only about small things and doesn't even scratch the surface of what they are really struggling with. Eventually, they can't hide it and there is no escaping it. So, those closest to the one suffering from depression see the cracks. They see the broken pieces of a damaged heart start to crumble. At first, loved ones try to offer comfort. However, they are quickly frustrated at their inability to fix the problem. They may find it easier to avoid the person until the "emotional episode" passes. Unfortunately, to the person in a depressive state, it makes them feel abandoned, unworthy, unloved, and absolutely alone. Those feelings just add fuel to the raging fire storm they feel inside.... and the sad cycle continues. Depression isn't logical and it can't be reasoned away. When a person is feeling crushed by it, they know it doesn't make sense to feel like nothing is wrong and everything is wrong at the same time. They don't want to burden the people they love with their unhealthy and unmanageable thoughts. What they need is compassion and support even when it doesn't make sense. What they want is someone to be the voice of reason and to remind them of who they are when they have forgotten. If you care about someone who suffers from this lonely and sometimes disabling condition, the best thing you can do is be there for them. You don't have to understand it. You don't have to fix it. But, your willingness to walk with them through the darkness just might be the tiny light that leads them to hope and healing. Be an encourager. Be a light in someone's life. Be the hands and feet of Christ. Show love to those who are hurting. True love is healing, it's powerful, and it never fails.