Why Are We So Afraid to Say “I’m Depressed”? Understanding Depression Beyond the Stigma
There have been a few phases in my life when I was depressed.There, I said it—“depressed.”
Even writing that word can feel heavy. That’s the kind of taboo this word carries in our society. But how many of us actually understand what depression means—or how it plays out in real life?First Things First: Depression Is Not a Life Sentence
It’s not permanent. It’s not a personal flaw. And it’s not something to be ashamed of.
In simple terms, depression is a sustained state of low mood—often arising from how we perceive our life circumstances at a particular point in time.From a biological perspective, it’s often linked to reduced levels of serotonin (a key "feel-good" chemical in the brain).From a psychological lens, depression can show up when someone develops a negative view of themselves, the world, and the future—a pattern known as the “cognitive triad” in therapy.(Source: CDC USA – Depression and Anxiety)Why Does Depression Happen?
In most cases, depression is triggered by a perceived loss—not always something tangible, but something deeply meaningful:
Loss of a job or financial security
Loss of a relationship or support system
Loss of identity, status, power, or a sense of purpose
When this happens, our system gets overwhelmed. And the symptoms start to show up—not just mentally, but physically too.How Depression Shows Up in Everyday Life ?
1) Persistent low mood and fatigue
2) Things you once enjoyed now feel empty or meaningless
3) Constant pessimism about the future
4) Oversleeping or insomnia—but either way, waking up tired
5) Repetitive, looping thoughts that won’t leave you alone
6) Harsh self-talk and overwhelming self-criticismYet in the midst of all this, we often do what we’ve always been told: Put on a brave face. Push through. Be strong. We tell ourselves we can “handle it.” That asking for help is weakness. But here’s a question worth asking: Who taught us how to handle depression?
Where did we learn how to fight this? What therapy tools do we even know?Strength Isn’t Always About Doing It Alone
This isn’t about incompetence. It’s about awareness.
When we lack the right tools and understanding, our “strength” often becomes self-suppression. We fight blindly—without a map, without a guide. That’s not strength. That’s survival.At Lantern Journey, our aim is not just to support you in the present, but to help you build long-term emotional strength. We don’t want you to just survive—we want you to grow into the person who’s not only brave, but also skilled, self-aware, and emotionally healthy.Because real warriors don’t just push through pain—they learn to work with it, heal from it, and rise with wisdom.
