Hey again, friend.
In Part 1, we tackled PTSD. If you haven’t read it yet, go do that first so we’re on the same page. (I’ll wait. 😌)
Now let’s dive into Part 2: Depression — a term that gets thrown around so casually, it makes actual survivors of depression feel invisible.
“Ugh I’m so depressed — my favourite show just ended!”
No. You’re disappointed, maybe a little sad. But unless you’ve spent days struggling to get out of bed, brushing your teeth feels like a marathon, or you’ve lost interest in everything that once brought you joy — you’re probably not “depressed.”
When people use depression as a synonym for “sad,” it not only waters down what depression really is, but also contributes to the misunderstanding and stigma that people with clinical depression face every day.
What depression looks like through Drew’s eyes
Let’s get real for a second — I used to throw around the word “depression” way too loosely. I didn’t know better… until I experienced it firsthand through Drew. That was when ignorance met reality.
Depression feels like a black hole — an invisible force pulling you down, heavy like gravity pressing on every cell in your body.
It’s like your soul is trying to escape, quietly slipping away.
It’s bursting into tears in the shower, with no clear reason other than a sadness that runs bone-deep.
It’s feeling nothing at all — so much so that you hurt yourself just to feel something.
It makes you hate every second you’re awake, dragging you into the darkest corners of your mind.
Depression doesn’t just make life hard — it makes you want to give up on life itself.
It’s not just a “bad day.” It’s not just “being emo.” It’s not being “dramatic”. And no, it’s not something you can just “snap out of.”
It’s something I am afraid to experience again and it pains me to know that Drew carries this heaviness in them. I hope we be free from it and be genuinely happy one day.
“Everyone’s a little depressed these days.”
Please. No. Just—no.
Yes, life can feel overwhelming. Yes, we all go through rough patches. But being stressed or going through a slump doesn’t mean you’re clinically depressed. And tossing around phrases like this minimizes what people with depression endure. It turns an already isolating condition into something people are too embarrassed or afraid to talk about seriously.
Let’s not do that.
Language Matters
When we misuse terms like depression, we don’t just spread misinformation — we harm the very people who need our understanding the most.
So, here’s your friendly reminder:
Words matter.
Mental health matters.
People matter.
Here’s What You Can Say Instead:
Instead of “I’m depressed,” try:
1. “I’m feeling really low today.”
2. “I’m sad and I’m not sure why.”
3. “I’ve been in a slump lately.”
4. “I might need to talk to someone — things feel heavy.”
There’s no shame in expressing emotion. There’s also no need to self-diagnose or hijack clinical terms that carry real weight.
If You’re Struggling…
Please know: you’re not weak. You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not a burden.
Reach out. Talk to someone you trust. Speak to a mental health professional if you can. Depression is real, it’s valid, and it’s treatable — but you don’t have to face it alone.
Alright, that’s it for Part 2.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series where we unpack another commonly misunderstood mental health term (hint: it starts with an A and rhymes with fright-anxiety 😅).
Until then, be kind to your mind. And please, stop abusing these terms.
With love and tough truths.
FLKF. 
Leave a comment