Hey, everyone! I want to open up about something I’ve been dealing with a lot lately. This post has been hanging out in my drafts for a while, and you know what? I’ve decided it’s time to share it with everyone. To be totally real with you, it’s been hitting me hard ever since I got back from my vacation in the USA. Over the past few months, I’ve had moments when I felt totally out of place, mentally and emotionally.

I want to write about a serious and personal topic – depression and how it can lead to taking a step back from “society”. It’s crucial to understand why there are people who do this, without taking it personally. Depression isn’t about you; it’s about the person battling it. Let’s dig into it in a more relaxed yet still serious manner.

First things first, depression is more than just feeling a bit blue. It’s like an unwanted houseguest who doesn’t know when to leave, messing with not just your mood but your entire life. It’s a sneaky beast that can turn even the simplest tasks into epic quests and leave you emotionally drained.

Now, when someone’s in the thick of depression, they often find it hard to put their feelings into words. The inner chaos they’re wrestling with can feel intensely personal and isolating. So, why do they pull back from society when they’re in the midst of this struggle? Let’s try and explore that.

Why people pull away

  • Coping Mechanism: For many folks dealing with depression, taking a step back from social interactions is a way to cope. It’s a response to the overwhelming nature of these interactions when you’re barely keeping it together. So, distancing themselves offers a temporary escape from the emotional storm.
  • Self-Preservation: Depression can make everyday life feel like a battle for survival. To shield themselves from judgment, misunderstandings, or well-intentioned but not-so-helpful advice, people with depression might retreat. It’s like they’re saving their emotional strength and energy.
  • Not Wanting to Burden Others: This is a common one. People with depression often believe that sharing their struggles would be a burden on their friends and family. They think they’re sparing their loved ones from extra stress or worry by handling it on their own.
  • Stigma: The stigma surrounding mental health issues is a heavy cloud. The fear of being judged or labeled can make someone with depression hesitant to open up. So, they keep their distance to avoid these stigmas.

Why It’s Not Personal

Now, here’s the crucial part: when your friend takes a step back due to depression, it’s not about you. It’s not about their feelings toward you or any desire to hurt anyone. It’s all about their internal battle, and trust me, it’s a tough one. Here’s why it’s not personal:

  • Internal Battle: Depression is like an internal monster, and people dealing with it often struggle to put their emotions into words. Their withdrawal isn’t about your relationship; it’s about them trying to survive their darkest moments.
  • Self-Care: Taking a break from socializing is a form of self-care for people with depression. It’s their way of seeking relief from the emotional rollercoaster they’re on.
  • Seeking Help: Sometimes, distancing from society can be a sign that they’re taking their mental health seriously. They might be working with a therapist or counselor to address their depression, and this can involve a bit of isolation as they focus on their recovery.
  • It’s Temporary: Most importantly, keep in mind that their distancing is usually temporary. With the right support, treatment, and understanding, people can bounce back from depression and get back to their social selves when they’re ready.

Work in progress

These days, I’ve been giving it my all to rise above the struggles and challenges I’ve been facing. It’s not always a walk in the park, but I’m determined to find some distractions and a bit of comfort within my own zone.

Life can really throw some curveballs our way, and for some of us, it feels like they just keep on coming. When things get tough, it’s essential to dig deep and rely on our own inner strength to weather the storm. And that’s precisely what I’m doing.

My comfort zone is like my secret hideout where I try to find a bit of distraction – a chance to take a breather from the emotional rollercoaster. It’s a place where I can just be myself, no judgment or expectations. Sometimes, it’s about indulging in my hobbies, or just zoning out with a binge-worthy TV series. It’s not about escaping reality; it’s more about regrouping and getting some perspective.

I’ve been putting in some serious effort to focus on the brighter side of life. It’s a bit like searching for hidden gems in a treasure hunt. Life can throw some pretty challenging curveballs our way, but I’m determined to stay positive and find those silver linings.

It’s not always a cakewalk, though. Some days, it feels like the clouds are determined to block out the sun. But even then, I remind myself to keep my eyes peeled for those little moments that make life a tad bit better.