Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Social media often brings out the worst in people. It can be a place of conflicts, taunting, a real center of hate. But not to 19-year-old mental health activist Emily. She uses it to spread compassion and facilitate growth.

Recently, she posted a Twitter thread about the lesser-known symptoms of depression. In it, Emily tackles themes like dissociation and self-destructive behavior, issues we rarely see in our feed but are no less significant than politics or celebrity life. After all, everything starts within.

So let’s take a break from the outside world and focus on the inner one. Continue scrolling and check out what Emily has to say. Trust me, it’s worthwhile.

More info: authenticallyemily.co.uk | Twitter

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

Image credits: emkburke

Emily told Bored Panda she never really planned to talk about these things on social media. “One day I just started tweeting about my experiences. I had a lot of things inside of me that I wanted to say. Or maybe even I needed to say, to start to process the things which had happened to me. The more I found that others related to the things I posted and the more I became a part of a sort of community on Twitter, the more fire I had within me to speak out even more, and even louder,” she explained. “The power of social media is really quite something. I can connect with people all over the world, with different experiences, upbringings, and cultures. I learn so much every single day. I also find a lot of comfort from finding others who have experienced similar to me. It reminds me that I’m not alone.”

Her mental health journey over the years has been very rocky. “My panic attacks started when I was 13, shortly after my grandfather passed away and I went on a school trip to Belgium to look at the war memorials. This trip really triggered something in me,” Emily recalled. From then on, her panic attacks and anxiety consumed her life.

“I was terrified to go anywhere. I didn’t want to leave the house. I started self-harming. Then I developed OCD, I believe as a way to try to get more control over my anxiety. Soon though, this got out of my control too. I slipped into depression and attempted suicide for the first time when I was 16. I was admitted to an adolescent psychiatric unit for 3 months and this was the start of two years in and out of the hospital for self-harm and suicide. Thankfully, I am no longer in that dark place. I am healing every day. I am carving out a purpose for myself and living in the future which I never thought would exist.”

“I am autistic, and I hate it when I am told to not let this define me. Being autistic shapes every part of me. It defines how I see the world. It defines my intense passions and interests. It’s not a bad thing that this defines me,” Emily explained. “However, my mental health diagnoses I suppose don’t define me in that there is more to me than my mental illnesses. I love horse riding. I love to read and write. I love spending time with my friends and family. My day is no longer defined by my mental illnesses like how they once consumed every waking thought. This took a great deal of time though, and therapy. It didn’t happen overnight.”

Depression is common. WHO estimates that it affects more than 264 million worldwide. “Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life,” the organization writes on its website. “Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school, and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.” Close to 800,000 people end their lives every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

The thread instantly sparked an important conversation

Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

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Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

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Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

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Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

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Person Lists 13 Symptoms Of Depression That No One Talks About And People Are Applauding The Post

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Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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What do you think ?

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Phoebe Bean 4 years ago

Maybe what makes these symptoms even more painful is when they are being downplayed and branded as "just drama"...

42points

ElusiveIntrovert 4 years ago

every f*****g time, or it's just in your head, u r lazy

27points

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postboredom 4 years ago

I know. I have many of the given symptoms, yet i am not diagnosed. When i told my parents a year ago that i was depressed, they just told me i was too young for thinking about this. I never told them anything related to this ever again ( i told my closest friend about this, but she just makes jokes about this-i know she means well, but still)

9points

Ágota Schimanovszky (schagatha) 4 years ago

There are things I know I should just let go, but I can't, 'cause things aren't this easy.... (someone asked me a few days ago why I'm not able for this, while I know all these things...) The case is that, I can't push buttons on my fellings. I constatnly worry about everything, I prepare myself for the worst all the time, if it combined with a bad week in the office, it's disastrous. The only things is different than a few years ago is that I let all these things go through me. I know it will be over, sooner or later it will be better, no need to let myself sink in it. There are problems that we will not be able to solve on our own, some that are not up to us but still push us inside, but there are those that we can do something about. When the initial panic begins to fade away (do not sink in it, no matter how hard it is!), start to think what can be done to make things better. Cry if you need to, sit in the corner, but get up afterwards <3 Just don't sink! <3

2points

ElusiveIntrovert 4 years ago

I cried reading this, felt like you know me well. :(

25points

KombatBunni 4 years ago

*hug* It brought me to tears as well..fighting your own brain is so damn exhausting..and when you add all this bloody virus drama to it, it feels damn near impossible. I'm trying to keep a small business running, deal with PTSD flashbacks and find a place to live after being evicted in March. I f*****g hate it..

9points

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lunar eclipse 4 years ago

So that’s whats happening with me. Can’t sleep. I’m usually active in my studies. Right now my exams are coming and I don’t know anything. O feel sad and guilty cuz my Dad trusts me and always says that he knows I’ll do well and if not he knows I did my best. But I’m not doing anything. Makes me want to cry. I say I’ll do this today. End up sleeping or scrolling on my phone.

14points

Belinda Matson 4 years ago

Talk to him or write to him but let him know. I'm a Mum & IDGAF about anything as much as my children's health & well-being EVERYTHING else can wait. Our priority is always to help our children, to advocate for them & support them when they're having troubles. You can defer, catch up later or get a medical exemption but please try & ask for help it's what parents (& Dr's) are there for.

6points

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MrOwlAteMyMetalWorm. 4 years ago

I am facing something similar and the parents who suggested to share it and seek help,thank you so much.You see in a world where every penny is more important than any being,how can I ever think that I am worth all that?I can delay it today but I don't there's any cure to this and life never gets better,one just learns to suffer better.Familiarising suffering,tthat's only thing that can be done.Hey,Lunar Eclipse I hope you find strength and never give up!I love you so much.*A big virtual hug Hakuna Matata

1point

El Dee 4 years ago

You have the beginnings of depression. Treatment is usually medication and takes about 6 weeks to kick in. There are some things that provide a LITTLE relief in the meantime. CBT, meditation and breathing exercises WILL help (slightly) they'll take the edge of this and let you function meantime. NB meditation & breathing exercises are NOT mumbo jumbo. They trick your body into feeling relaxed and this tricks the brain into feeling a little better too, it slows the heart rate, slows the release of hormones that your body releases when in 'panic mode' You've nothing to lose, give it a go..

1point

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