I've been depressed for many years. And to this day, my parents say things to me like, it's so easy to do this. You have so many reasons to be happy. If you did just this one thing, it would work. Why is it hard to do this.
No matter how hard i've tried, I can't get them to understand or grasp the concept that even if I know what to do.And want to do something sometimes I just can't get myself to do it. It's interesting because they don't even have empathy for my depression. They were just so confused on how I have good life, and still can't be happy
Does anyone have any books to explain1 depression and mental illness?
by haveyoutookyourmemes
4 Comments
I have not read it yet, but I plan to because a lot of people have recommended it: Darkness Visible by William Styron.
First up, I’m really sorry. You’re not alone both in your experiences of depression and in having parents who don’t understand. My mother doesn’t understand my depression and can’t comprehend it. It’s frustrating to not have parents as people to confide in. Sending love your way.
Secondly… Try out [I Had a Black Dog](https://bookshare.me/?q=9781845295899). It’s short and easy to read, and one of the best descriptions of depression I’ve seen.
Editing to add: [Living With a Black Dog](https://bookshare.me/?q=9781845297435). This was written by the wife of the author of I Had A Black Dog to help people understand depression, recognize it, and how to be good partners and friends to someone who struggles with it.
Hyperbole and a Half, by Allie Brosh, is not primarily about depression. It’s a book of illustrated humorous essays, but it has two chapters (Adventures in Depression and Depression Part Two) that so vividly described what it is like to BE depressed that I recommend it to everyone. Best of luck to you on your journey of healing.
*Hyperbole and A Half* by Allie Brosh does a great job of explaining what experiencing depression is like.
There is also a graphic novel, *Shubeik Lubeik* by Deena Mohamed that contains a very realistic presentation of depression — it’s three loosely connected stories, but the second one is entirely about a college student dealing with it.