Do you think that a lot of people try to make things worse than they really seem?

Question

Everybody has problems. I know that and I'm doubting anybody, but it sometimes seem, especially during these high school years, that everyone tries to be so dramatic and make things worse than I seem. For example, there's this little clique at my school. I've known half of them since we were little, but they've completely changed. In they're clique, it's important for you to be super dramatic about everything in life and act like you are miserable and depressed. They talk about cutting themselves a lot to take away the pain, but their friends go behind their backs and say, "Oooh. Did you see her fake little scars? They were so light." It's like they're in competiton to see who's life is the worse. I recently read an article in Seventeen magazine, and they were talking about how being depressed almost seems like a fad now. Do you agree with this? Not saying that people don't have problems, becuz many people do, but in general, do you think people r making depressed a trend?

Answer 1

Yeah, it seems to be. I think there's a definite difference from being depressed and just dealing with a little emotional pain. But you're right, everyone seems to have problems but I think like 'Thirteen' and movies like that definitely seemed to make the cutting thing worse and glamourous it or something.
I think some people actually do do it for attention though which is really sad considering they take time away from people who are actually depressed.

Answer 2

I think people have been doing this in various ways since the beginning of time. Being depressed, or trying to impress others with how awful your life is, comes under the heading of Most Common Human Pastime in History. Look at is this way:

What is the benefit of being depressed, or having an awful life? The first thing you think of is getting sympathy or attention, but there's more to it than that. What everybody wants is an excuse to do whatever they're ashamed of doing. They want an out, a way to say, 'see I'm not really free, it's not really my fault.' It was the depression, the Gods, the Fates, society, the cruelty of the world, the foulness of evil men, etc ad infinitum, something, anything else to blame for whatever they want to get away with. You'll find the same thread through most religions, philosophies and political movements, right down to the kid next door saying 'the devil made me do it.'

And of course the real problems give a little reality to the lie. Still the bottom line remains that being depressed (or whatever) is a license for bad behavior. By that I don't mean sexual promiscuity; it might be nothing more than wanting an excuse to fail Algebra, or to lie around the house and do nothing. But that's why people WANT it. Real depression is scary and alarming, the fake kind is pretty obviously fake.

One additional note, it's not that uncommon for teenagers to mope around and act depressed. It's a cliche, it's so common. However the trend of pretending it's a medical condition and especially getting adults who should know better to agree, and ESPECIALLY getting adults who should know better to prescribe mind-bending drugs is a newish and alarming trend. Teenagers are already uncertain and hormonal enough without an adult license to misbehave with a built-in get-out-of-trouble clause.

Answer 3

"being depressed almost seems like a fad now" What kind of teen magazine would say such an irresponsible statement as that?

Depression is not a fad. Emo is a fad. The more people that get to be on this planet, the more realities of life will be on display. People used to hide their conditions, now they are expected to be on display in society and make a life for themselves.

"Drama" is a learned behaviour (as is cutting). Once you are out of high school and are employed or carry on with post secondary education, you will meet more realistic people. There are always the drama queens and kings, snobs, grouches, losers, etc. but they are fewer and far between. Real life has a sobering effect on humanity.

Answer 4

develope a little empathy, would you? Why would anyone go out of their way to try and make things worse than what they are? Depression kills, literally or nonliterally. Everyone has problems and it's not that abnormal for the human mind to go and dig the hole deeper. Then, some people have the need for attention or self dramatization in order to relieve some of their pain.

Answer 5

Well,,, to be honest things do look a little grim,, but as you know , threw faith all things are possible ,, and by that I meen no matter how bad it may seem God has a silver lining planed so enjoy your life , his beautifull plan will win over no matter how bad things seem,,,

Answer 6

absolutly I think every one because were own critic makes things way more dramatic and its only women who seem to really bring this out, I noticed a gf of mine who would do this all the time and when i spoke logicaly she got it but still was dramatic they feed into it because it consumes them. once there over it it seems they learned little and it wasnt worth the stress they put themselves through.