Discussion Why is depression considered a "selfish illness"?

[tommyhalpinkelly]

That's what I see some people say online, in particular religious people or "old school" people. Anyone know why?

 

[okyeah]

because they are all depressed from their shit lives but have performed mental gymnastics to make it out to be a character flaw.

Or they are just too stupid to realize how privileged they are to not have a shit life.

 

[Empty Smile]

Because people who don't suffer think we are just attention whores.

 

[MsM3talGamer]

Cause they're brainwashed dingbats who think we can "snap out of it". They think depression is just feeling sad, they don't realise it's much more serious than that. Neither do they care to learn.

 

[Norest4thewicked]

Probably because it is a very personal condition. They cannot relate to our lack of motivation.(You need to get out More!), our feelings of worthlessness (Youre valued!) The rejection we feel(But you have lots of friends!) The sheer hopelessness we feel( there's people worse off than you!) The mindset of a person with depression is something they just don't understand.

 

[Jodes]

No illness is selfish. It's sold that way by selfish people to non- or partial "believers" of depression

 

[CFLoser]

I don't know, it doesn't really matter. They think what they think and nothing anyone says can ever shift their stringent minds.

 

[Smilla]

Humans who haven't suffered to the extent that we have can't bear the thought that our levels of pain are even possible—it's too scary for them to contemplate because it would ruin their delusion that somehow, somewhere fairness and justice and goodness exists in equal measure for all.

I think too it's about control-they have to put the blame somewhere and their horrible god won't do so they blame us.

 

[Angst Filled Fuck Up]

I think on some level it's seen as self-indulgent because you're eternally wrapped up in your own issues. I notice that I am pretty self-absorbed on the whole. I was never a very giving person, and I do seem to be my own worst enemy a lot of the time. I dislike that about myself, but I also acknowledge that I never wanted to be this problematic. I live a very isolated life, so it certainly isn't for attention.

The people that say depression is selfish are likely the same ones who feel it is a choice. To those people, I say "bite me."

 

[ron_g]

That's what I see some people say online, in particular religious people or "old school" people. Anyone know why?

Lots of people talk lots of shit they never thought through. You shouldn't take these opinions seriously.

 

[Jen Erik]

That's what I see some people say online, in particular religious people or "old school" people. Anyone know why?

Because they are ill-informed.

 

[Severen]

That's what I see some people say online, in particular religious people or "old school" people. Anyone know why?

They don't know what it's like being depressed due to a lack of empathy and never going through it themselves. They think it's just being sad about something...

 

[Lra888]

probably because it causes the sufferer to isolate themselves. I've lost friends because I've not gone to social events, didn't return calls or messages etc fart enough. I guess they assume i'm being rude or antisocial and get upset with me. I don't have it in me to apologize to them for my mental illness and if they're the type to be angered by me acting differently than I dont have the energy to continue that relationship.