You’re just being lazy.
Stop putting things off.
You never see things through.
These are just a few of the thoughtless remarks I’ve heard from friends, family, and acquaintances. They only see the surface of my life, completely unaware of the internal battles I face. When they make these comments, they unknowingly add pain to an already heavy burden. It’s time to shed light on what I really experience.
To those who label me as lazy, let me clarify: I am not. Generally, I am an ambitious and driven individual. However, I say “generally” because there are days when my depression weighs me down. You typically see me on my better days, but on my tougher days, I often retreat. When I don’t act like my usual self or fail to engage in activities I normally enjoy, you jump to conclusions and call me lazy. The truth is, I’m not lazy.
On days when I feel the grip of depression, I am not just unmotivated; I feel weak, drained, hopeless, and grumpy. I don’t choose to stay in bed or miss commitments. I’m stuck in that dark place, feeling worthless. When you equate that with laziness, it deepens my sense of despair.
To those who say I procrastinate, you’re correct; I do. But it’s not out of a desire to delay tasks. During depressive episodes, I struggle to muster the mental energy to tackle even the simplest of tasks. My focus is consumed by the negative emotions I’m experiencing, which makes everything feel unbearable. I often feel inadequate and unprepared, and this mental block can paralyze me. I would appreciate your understanding when depression takes hold and I can’t meet your expectations.
As for those who claim I never follow through, that’s simply not accurate. When I’m feeling well, I have no trouble completing tasks. However, when I’m struggling, anxiety and overwhelm can prevent me from finishing what I start. Not completing a task only adds to my feelings of worthlessness, and your observations during these moments make it even harder for me.
I wish I could function at full capacity during my low points, but that’s simply not how depression works. It’s incredibly challenging to maintain normalcy when I’m battling fatigue, sadness, and self-doubt.
So, to clarify once more: I am not lazy, I do not procrastinate by choice, and I do follow through when I’m well. These behaviors are overshadowed by my depression, but that doesn’t make your assumptions right. It just shows a lack of understanding of what I’m going through.
I hope this message offers some insight into my struggle with depression. The next time you think I’m being lazy, I invite you to consider my symptoms and choose to be supportive rather than critical. Understanding my journey is what I truly deserve. I shouldn’t face judgment for experiencing depression.
For more insights on self-care and support during difficult times, you can explore other posts on our blog. If you’re seeking additional guidance on fertility and related topics, check out resources like Make A Mom and WebMD for helpful information.
Summary:
This article sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding depression and laziness. It emphasizes that struggling with mental health does not equate to being unmotivated or lazy. The author shares personal experiences of how depression can hinder daily functioning and the importance of understanding rather than judging those who face such challenges.