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Quotes / Depression

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"It's a strange poverty of the English language, and indeed of many other languages, that we use this same word, depression, to describe how a kid feels when it rains on his birthday, and to describe how somebody feels the minute before they commit suicide."
Andrew Solomon, Depression: The Secret We Share, Ted talk

In virtually any other serious sickness, a patient who felt similar devistation would by lying flat in bed, possibly sedated and hooked up to the tubes and wires of life-support systems, but at the very least in a posture of repose and in an isolated setting. His invalidism would be necessary, unquestioned and honorably attained. However, the sufferer from depression has no such option and therefore finds himself, like a walking casualty of war, thrust into the most intolerable social and family situations. There he must, despite the anguish devouring his brain, present a face approximating the one that is associated with ordinary events and companionship. He must try to utter small talk, and be responsive to questions, and knowingly nod and frown and, God help him, even smile.
William Styron, Darkness Visible

"My anxiety is so out of control that all I can think about is thinking about thinking about thinking about fixing everything I've ever done wrong and all of the ways I've already messed up my life beyond repair. If I think about it hard enough eventually I'll get the answer but I've forgotten what the question was."

"Guys...we can't make Riley feel anything."
Fear, Inside Out

Ben: Andy? You okay?
Andy: [Staring out of Ben's office window; speaking listlessly] I'm fine. It's just that life is pointless and nothing matters and I'm always tired. Also, I can't sleep. I'm overeating. None of my old hobbies interest me. [Shrugs faux-nonchalantly]
Parks and Recreation, practically offering a checklist of this condition.

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