How many of us suffering from depression have heard those words or words to that effect from those trying to "help" us with our mood? Other euphemisms may include, "Just pick yourself up by your boot straps," "Get over it already," or my personal favorite, "There are people out there who are starving, being tortured and killed in this world so what have you got to be sad about?" So in addition to feeling depressed we also have to feel the guilt and shame of not being able to snap out of it or feel enough gratitude that we are not being maimed and murdered presently.
I can honestly say from my experience that if I could snap out of it, I surely would. Nobody truly wants to be depressed. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. Perhaps there are some romanticized visions of turmoil and angst out there but in all reality depression can be a living hell. It has a domino effect which reaches out to harm and hinder all that is precious to us including our self esteem, our work, our play, and our relationships with others. It is something not to be taken so lightly as to think that it is a switch you can just turn on and off at will. This is not to say that we who suffer from depression bear no responsibility for ourselves and our actions. But it is a responsibility much akin to someone who suffers from any biological disorder like diabetes or heart disease. We do have to take care of ourselves and make attempts to get better and be more functioning despite our mood disorder. This responsibility does not, however, entail blame, guilt, or shame.
These clichés and casually tossed off phrases do not help the person who has depression. They only serve to deepen the well and make one want to shut off from hearing any more. One of the big issues concerning those who battle depression is who to share things with. A key word which comes to mind is "discernment." You really have to be wise in your choices of who to trust with talking about your issues of mood. It becomes especially difficult when the choices of who to talk to seem narrow.
I think we all have a gut feeling about who will understand and who will dish out a platitude. We have to constantly gauge whether it is worth the risk. Sometimes with a little persistence and education we can help those who might not know how to help us. If the person is close to us and is involved in our day to day lives it may be worth that risk of hearing a few non-helpful utterances if we can make attempts to move beyond the superficial. This is purely a personal decision and nobody can tell you the outcome. Sometimes just making that attempt to reach out, regardless of the response we may receive is important to our emotional growth. There should never be any shame in reaching out although sometimes it may feel that way.
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10 Surprising Ways to Enhance Your Mind 
I've always wondered what it was like to never snap-in to it in the first place. I mean, I know, people can do that, but what do they use? Was there some wand or chant passed out at birth some of us didn't get?
Getting out of the bed on the wrong side is not the same. People just generally stare at you blankly if you even try to tell them and walk away, shaking their head. You feel worse. Time to walk further down that path, get away.
The Snap-in is like the old Candid Camera show: "When you least expect it, you're elected, it's your lucky day..." The Snap-out is very elusive.
I feel better reading this. Though I shouldn't, for your sake, it's apparent you know, or knew. You know what empathy is.
I will tell ya, I wish I had that magic wand too. Maybe someone has hidden it from us! Thank you so much for reading and sharing.