"Youth knows not sorrow's taste, yet forces verses of grief."
Many dismiss depression as idle whining or excessive sensitivity, coining terms like "cyber-depression" and "trend-following gloom" to mock those who speak their truth.
If you share this view, it reveals you've never truly grasped what depression is.
I. When Depression Strikes: Some Find Salvation, Others Sink
01 Boyfriend's Severe Depression and Redemption
Last March, my boyfriend was diagnosed with severe depression. I was utterly shocked at first, as he had always seemed like an incredibly optimistic person—always smiling, rarely showing any negative emotions.
That night, we talked through the night. I listened to his thoughts and urged him to seek treatment. After the diagnosis, he sank into deep despair. He stayed cooped up at home, refusing to go out. He barely ate and grew noticeably thinner. I quit my job to stay with him daily, terrified he might consider suicide.
Later, through a friend's recommendation, I took him to see a doctor and got him medication. After about half a year, my boyfriend's mindset improved significantly. He took his medicine on time every day and became more willing to express his thoughts.
02 After My Friend's Suicide, I Realized How Little I Cared for Her
"She took her own life." The moment her mother replied to me, I couldn't help but cry.
That night, I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Images kept flashing through my mind—her expression when she first seemed "off," smiling as she asked me, "Do you think I might be depressed?" I had brushed it off, saying, "Depression? You're just being overly sensitive."
Later, I learned she had indeed been diagnosed with depression. She quit her job and rested at home for a long time. I thought time would heal everything, and since I was extremely busy then, I didn't check in on her much. I never imagined she would ultimately choose to leave this world.
As her close friend, if I had comforted her and been there for her back then, might the outcome have been different? This thought keeps haunting me, and I feel so sad.
II. Depression Can Be Hard to Spot
Depression isn't just being dramatic—it's a real illness that's harming countless teens and adults.
The China National Mental Health Development Report (2019–2020) indicates that in 2020, the depression detection rate among Chinese adolescents was 24.6%, meaning one in every five children exhibited depressive symptoms. The situation for adults is equally concerning: China's Mental Health Survey reveals a lifetime prevalence rate of depressive disorders among adults at 6.8%.
Why, then, do we rarely hear about people with depression in our immediate circles despite its growing prevalence?
This is partly because some individuals remain unaware they have depression, failing to recognize it as an illness. Others fear discrimination or ridicule if they disclose their condition, leading them to conceal it.
So how can you tell if you or a friend is experiencing depressive symptoms?If you frequently utter these three phrases, be vigilant—depression may be lurking.
"I'm so useless. It's all my fault."
Viewing oneself negatively, constantly self-deprecating, feeling worthless, growing increasingly insecure and withdrawn. Minor setbacks easily trigger feelings of failure, trapping individuals in dead-end thoughts they struggle to escape.
"Nothing interests me anymore."
A complete lack of enthusiasm for anything. Even when lying idle, the mind races with thoughts—guilt, self-reproach, and other complex emotions swirl together, draining physical and mental energy. This leads to a prolonged sense of helplessness, feeling powerless despite good intentions.
"Sudden urge to cry"
Easily upset, prone to crying over minor things, accompanied by profound physical and mental exhaustion. May experience thoughts like "Life is so exhausting, maybe I should just die," leading to suicidal ideation. Without timely intervention, these negative thoughts can escalate dangerously.
III. Please, go see a doctor
According to incomplete statistics, over one million people worldwide die by suicide due to depression each year.In reality, depression is not an incurable disease. With timely intervention and active treatment, there is a high probability of recovery.
But why do so many people with depression hesitate to seek help? As mentioned earlier, they may be unaware they have depression, reluctant to disclose their condition, or even believe medical treatment is futile.Depression is a treatable illness. For those affected, remember this: While the world may not understand you, a doctor can certainly help. Upon recognizing depressive symptoms, seek timely care at a reputable medical facility. If diagnosed, treatment options—including medication, physical therapy, and psychotherapy—can help you climb out of depression's depths.
· Medication Therapy
This involves taking antidepressant medications, which are non-addictive, effectively alleviate depressive symptoms, and are relatively safe. Options include TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs, venlafaxine, bupropion, and others.
· Physical Therapy
Physical therapies can rapidly control depressive symptoms, aid cognitive recovery, and alleviate suffering. Examples include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
· Psychotherapy
Psychological therapies address underlying psychological conflicts, reduce negative emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
If you know someone with depression, avoid dismissing their struggles or labeling them as "weak." Instead, encourage them to seek active treatment to alleviate symptoms, reduce physical and mental suffering, and return to a brighter, happier life sooner.