Depression is Fun, Right?

I find it quite humorous that parents are so shocked and amazed when they find out their child is depressed. Because they’ve done their best. It’s like all parents with depressed kids go through the same coping steps. 1) DENIAL. So let’s start with a scenario. A child’s depression could never be influenced by the parent, right? Because if they’re doing their best, it’s flawless. The parents who work all the time do it so their kids are provided with everything they want. The parents who get on to their kids for any mistake do it to teach the child what the “real world” is like. The parents who talk down to their kids do it to strengthen them. What these parents have in common is that they all believe depression is just their child being over dramatic and yearning for attention. Many people mistake depression for just being sad, but it’s so much more. It’s being lonely in a room full of people. It’s feeling rejected while so many crave for your attention. It’s feeling unloved while being kissed goodnight. It’s feeling empty even when your mind is full. It’s drowning in an ocean with no water. But kids become depressed for attention, ya know, because everyone wants to feel like shit. So let’s play another scenario. The parents accept that they could have done better, but say, “why didn’t you tell me how you feel?” I’ve gotten this one before. And I was absolutely flabbergasted. Because I had told my mom how I felt numerous times, but every time I did, my feelings were down played. I’m a teenage girl being over dramatic and whining. It’s just me seeking attention. Seeing a pattern yet? So, another scenario. The parents listen to how the child feels and takes it into consideration. After a couple weeks of showing love for the child the parents say, “This isn’t all about you! I need to be happy too! You should be grateful for what you have!” My mind is simply blown. People think feeling depressed is fun?! Like, what do you want me to do, flip a switch and just feel differently?! People can look at me and think that I have everything I need. But that’s because our society is materialistic. How one feels should be based on what one owns. What every child with depression lacks, is not necessarily a lack of owning, but a lack of love and acceptance. So, if you are a parent reading this, consider that what your child is saying about how they feel, might actually be true. I’m not saying that as a parent, you’re doing anything wrong, but maybe just going about it in the wrong way. Food and water are necessities, but so is love and acceptance. Keep that in mind as you go through your days.