Have you ever felt like this?
Often feeling inexplicably down and exhausted; waking up in the morning, feeling like everything has lost its color. Finally getting up, feeling powerless all over, feeling life is meaningless.
Not wanting to talk, not wanting to move, encountering a small matter, feeling very desperate and pessimistic. In recent years, there are more and more people suffering from depression, which needs attention.
Here are a few “mantras” often spoken by those with mild depression. If you often say them, you need to pay more attention to adjusting your mindset.
1. I want to be alone.
While I think it’s necessary to be alone, everything needs a balance, excessive loneliness may be a sign of mild depression.
If someone always keeps themselves at home wanting to be alone, rejects invitations from friends, avoids communicating with others, and doesn’t want to go where there are people, they need to pay more attention.
Moderate solitude can help us gather our thoughts, but long-term loneliness may deepen feelings of depression.
Therefore, it’s essential to go out, participate in social activities as needed. Learn to communicate with others and share your feelings.
2. I’m too tired.
You might think this is a common phrase that everyone often says, but it’s a mantra of those with mild depression. It’s not just physical fatigue, but more of psychological fatigue.
I have a friend who confided in me, saying, “I’m so tired” every time she woke up. She complains about too much work pressure, too many household chores, insomnia every day.
She can’t rest on weekends, has no energy to do what she likes. This persistent feeling of exhaustion is one of the manifestations of mild depression.
3. Forget it, I don’t want to do it.
Why do people get depressed? Sometimes it’s because they have too much free time and nothing to do.
And individuals with mild depression often lack the motivation to do things and lose interest in things they like. They even give up their hobbies and often find excuses to avoid social activities.
If you always say “Forget it, I don’t want to do it,” don’t feel like doing what you like, and make various excuses to avoid, suddenly losing interest in life, you should be cautious.
4. I’m fine, no need to worry.
Some people with mild depression often say to others, “I’m fine,” even when they are on the verge of an emotional breakdown. Perhaps they don’t want to trouble others or directly face their emotional issues.
Pretending to be “fine” on the surface is both an escape and a self-protective mechanism.
If you notice that your friend is not doing well, showing signs of anxiety and unrest, yet says to you, “I’m fine, no need to worry,” it’s advisable to show them more care.
5. I’m really useless.
Many people feel inferior, lack self-confidence, mainly because they often self-denigrate and self-criticize.
Self-denial is another characteristic of those with mild depression; they tend to overlook their abilities and feel fearful about the future.
Whenever I encountered difficulties at work, I would say, “I’m really useless.” I found that saying this often only deepened negative emotions. Therefore, it’s important to learn to appreciate your strengths and accept your imperfections.
6. Why me?
Individuals with mild depression tend to fall into self-pity and self-pity when facing difficulties and setbacks. Their initial response is usually blaming themselves for having bad luck, feeling that fate is unfair to them, wondering why they have to face so many hardships.
There was a time I experienced a series of setbacks, and in moments of emotional breakdown, I would say to myself, “Why me?”
Actually, this is a negative thinking pattern; constantly saying such things will only make it harder to overcome difficulties.
Later, I learned to change my perspective and think, ‘Why did this problem occur, and how can I solve it?’ Looking at problems from a different angle changes the perception entirely, at least reducing the feeling of despondency and pessimism.
7. Life is meaningless.
Saying this often is very dangerous; once a person loses hope in life, feels emotionally low every day, fails to find the meaning of living, they are easily engulfed in a depressive state.
Moreover, if you frequently say this, your family and friends will also worry and might be affected by your negative emotions. In truth, everyone has their own intrinsic value, and we should strive to discover the beauty of life.
I want to tell every friend, if you notice yourself or someone around you showing these signs, do not avoid them.
Seeking help proactively is not shameful; you can confide in your partner or family. It’s crucial to adjust your mindset.
There’s a quote I once saw: “Each of us will inevitably experience life’s hardships, but we should not lose ourselves in darkness. Instead, we should light the torch of hope to illuminate our path forward.”
