Who else hates the word depression being used so often?

Question

OK heres the thing. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and have struggled with it all my life. My objection is people using the term to describe natural moments of feeling down and grief. I have found that many people confuse these things with actual clinical depression which isnt something that just goes away with time. I cant tell you how many times people have discovered my illness and said something like "youll get over it" or "cheer up". Does anyone else find the liberal use of the word annoying?

Answer 1

I feel the same way buddy! I used to have depression and i hate it when my friends tell me that they are "sooo depressed".Like my friend got a bad grade on a paper and then told me that she was "depressed". People just dont know and dont understand unless they have, or have had it. But its a small thing to worry about!

Answer 2

No, it's actually very common - clinical depression, that is. The responses such as "you'll get over it" or "cheer up" have little to do with the liberal use of the word. People just don't understand that it is not a matter of just being a bit blue. The public's understanding of mental illness has come a long way, but still has an awful long way to go.

Look after yourself and take care - wishing you the best of health.

Answer 3

The word depression (from a mental health point of view) I think covers a very wide range and levels of depression.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression over 10 years ago. Depression, as far as I know, covers anything from a "blue mood" which one will "get over" through to serious clinical depression.
I don't really like the term depressed used when one is feeling down or sad, but whether I like it or not, that is what it is.

I do really hate it, and I can not stress that enough, when people tell me to get over it or that I'll get over it. But I can't blame them for society being ignorant.
I was visiting hubby's family (with hubby) a couple of years ago and was asked when I took my meds what I was taking and why.
I said that it was an antidepressant because I 'suffer' from depression.
One response I got (that I nearly jumped of the couch and went for the throat over) was "What have you got to be depressed about?"
I swear, if hubby had not have been there, I might have ended up in the back of a wagon with a straight jacket on!

Unfortunately, ignorance is something we have to live with, like it or not, because there is not enough education out there regarding mental illnesses.
The last I heard, 1 out of 5 Australians suffered from one form of mental illness or another!

But yes, I do sometimes feel that the term depression is used a little too often, but using the term depression to describe these natural moments of sadness or unhappiness is technically correct. :s

Answer 4

I think people are quite within their rights to use the word depression if they are feeling temporarily down. As a word 'depression' can mean a dip in pretty much anything....if there's a dent in a car it can be called a depression, when the stock market crashes it causes a time of economic depression.

Myself, I'm a sufferer of clincal depression and I know that for me that means I've been feeling down, a little hopeless, sometimes suicidal and without motivation for a long time without explanation.

I'm quite happy for people to use the word depression as it has several contexts within the English language. On a different note I don't appreciate people telling me to smile or "cheer up....it might never happen", it is those people that don't understand depression in the sense of my medical condition, it doesn't mean they can't use the word, they just need educating as to the kind of depression you mean when you say it.

Answer 5

That is for a lot of individuals, no longer simply the mental unwell. At some point at a time,hoping at present is better then yesterday and the next day to come is better then at present. If two people can't get along then it is time for a different to step in and support. If children are involved then a need to. At some point at a time, and do not count on others even the ones we like to have an understanding of. Recall too medicinal drugs do not dictate who we are as human beings..... Medicines are most effective to support no longer repair. Wish you well

Answer 6

Amen. I have it as well.
Doctors are calling Clinical depression ,Internal depression and the other you spoke of is now called external depression.
Still the same thing ,different label.

Try working with the public(sales, etc.) and having people tell you to "smile, it's not that bad."

I have had to stop myself from slapping the s**t of people.

On a positive note, my martial arts instructors tell me I have this" wonderful, empty face" -meaning my expression does not give my emotions away,

Answer 7

At this point in my life, I don't care what you call it. I can't believe that I refused medication for so long. I feel like what I imagine a druggie feels now. I need my little pill every day. I feel so much better.

My depression was caused by a chemical imbalance. I was raised in an era that would not admit that anyone had this kind of problem. It was hard for me to finally ask for help. I am so glad I did.

Just ignore those people who have no clue. I refuse to allow the petty stuff to irritate me.

Answer 8

It's just 2 different contexts. People shouldn't be telling you to "cheer up". That's just stupid. But I think the word depression was applicable to normal low fluxes in mood prior to any clinical diagnosis. I can't say it bothers me though.

Answer 9

I definitely agree that the term is overused. Being sad over something and clinical depression are two different things.

Answer 10

Yes is so freaking annoying but what are we to do?