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Capturing a snapshot of depression doesn’t necessarily equate to mournful pictures of tears or sadness. Depression is, after all, a dark and complex creature that manifests itself in different ways in different people who suffer from it.
Look at the picture below for example. You might see a girl going through the same normal routine that most of us go through on a regular basis, but the truth is that the girl in the picture – Katelyn Marie Todd – isn’t going through a normal routine at all. She’s doing her best to overcome the depression that’s drained her of so much energy that she hadn’t even been able to brush her hair for the last four weeks.
“It was matted and twisted together,” she wrote on Facebook recently. “It snapped and tore with every stroke. I cried while I washed and conditioned it, because I forgot how it felt to run my fingers through it. I brushed my teeth, too, for the first time in a week. My gums bled. My water ran red. I cried over that, as well.” The picture soon went viral after she uploaded it to Facebook, and so far it’s been liked more than 165k times and shared by over 235k people, many of whom praised her for sharing her experience.
“Please be easy on your friends and family that have trouble getting up the energy to clean, hang out, or take care of themselves,” she wrote. “And please, please take them seriously if they talk to you about it. We’re trying. I swear we’re trying. See? I brushed my hair today.”
More info: Facebook
RELATED:
Katelyn Marie Todd recently uploaded this picture to Facebook to highlight the struggles of depression
“I brushed my hair today,” she wrote. “For the first time in 4 weeks”
“Depression isn’t beautiful. Depression is bad hygiene, dirty dishes, and a sore body from sleeping too much”
“Please be easy on your friends and family that have trouble getting up the energy to clean or hang out”
Her post has since been liked by more than 165k people and shared over 235k times
People were quick to voice their support, and many could relate to Katelyn’s experiences
What do you think ?
Talia Johnson 8 years ago
Anyone who has anything negative to say about depression sufferers should go and read Allie Brosh's pictoral story of depression on her blog Hyperbole and a Half. You can't really understand it unless you're in it - we should try our best not to judge others as our experiences are never theirs and vice versa. Kindness and understanding really are important.
Mascha Claessens 8 years ago
I remember my best friend having a severe depression during her teenage years. Back then I didn't really understand what was 'wrong' with her, and thought she was just a difficult teenager (which was also hard to understand for me, because I was such an easy one). I never went from her side though, and we're still best friends, even though it was hard at times, she liked to push people away (she still does that occasionally, as she also has borderline pd). Now I DO understand how it is to have an invisible illness (I have Crohn's disease). The fatigue and tiredness at times, just getting out of bed or, indeed, taking a shower, is sometimes such a big step to make. It obviously isn't exactly the same, but when I first started experiencing these things, I really felt myself growing up real quick, and understand the importance of being understanding, kind, honest and loyal to each other, because those kind of people were/are there for me and I need to be there for them as well. :-)
Load More Replies...
Louie Neira 8 years ago
I'm going through this. The more you suffer, the less people want to help. People tell me to just "be happy" and act like nothing's wrong, but I've come to think it's more for their benefit, not mine. Tell a person with depression to be happy is like telling someone with cancer to "get better soon."
Anna Thouvenin 8 years ago
People are scared of what they can't control. So they just tend to avoid it so it doesn't scare them too much.
Load More Replies...
Martha Gicharu 8 years ago
I am going through depression now and everyone thinks I'm just seeking attention... it really hurts
Alvaro MoVi 8 years ago
Well maybe you do, is that a bad thing? I think not. But being fragile, or accept that you need emotional comfort and care it's like a disea
Load More Replies...
Long Joan Silver 8 years ago
I wish more people understood the hell that goes through our minds when us depression sufferers go through a dark period. I have to agree with Katelyn, the most simplest tasks are so hard for us to manage at times; and we get nagged for not doing that basic task. If only people knew how we really feel, they would try to help us.
Dave Gunderson 8 years ago
Depression is a silent killer I feel that I just don't care anymore ...I could care less if i live or die. I feel like this most of the time..I do not do the things i used too..
Michel M. Prins 8 years ago
Do not lose hope yet, there are still many ways to get out of that situation in a healthy way, which is to seek actual help from a psychiatrist who has a lot of knowledge towards depression. There is no shame in going to a psychiatrist and many, MANY people have done the same. In fact, it's very wise to do such a thing. Improving your situation won't happen overnight and you will have to put in a lot of energy. But a lot can be possible if you give it a chance. I firmly believe in you Dave :) Stay strong
Load More Replies...
cyberbird 8 years ago
I've read somewhere, depression is related to genetics and some persons are predisposed to this disorder. Prescription drugs are useless and dangerous, so the patient does better with much sun, vitamine D, Emotional Freement Therapy, whole foods (avoid processed foods and grains) and get a hobby; mushrooms would be helpful if not banned. Good luck to everyone.
lazy panda 8 years ago
Genetics definitely plays a role. I've had four family members commit suicide due to extreme depression that no one knew about and I've been struggling with it for over 10 years. The thing with the remedies that you mentioned is that the person has to be willing to actually get up and go outside. I for one usually just lock myself away from everyone and sleep. And let me tell you, without depression medications, I know I would be dead.
Load More Replies...
MidS 8 years ago
To the person (Hi_Welcome_to_Chili's) who has so knowledgeably commented saying 'they should stop being depressed', THANK YOU! I'm baffled at how this never occured to anyone else. Thank you for your wisdom. Cominh bavk to logic...If you think depressed people drain you emotionally, don't hang out with them. Just because your friend with depression turned out to be not-so-pleasant does not mean you can generalize. Depression is a common illness and you don't just get over it. It is curable with therapy and at times medication. It's like any physical illness, you can't just be happy all the time. As for it happening to only 'pretty' people. That's highly subjective. You may consider yourself ugly and rightfully so, but the claim that depression happens to only 'pretty' people is dumb and illogical.
Cat Meow 8 years ago
Stay strong, Katelyn. And take one step - no matter how tiny - at a time, and don't fret over any step back that may come along the way. In the end, you'll take more steps forward than backward. That said, I wish people would start understanding what it means to suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. None of these are a easy or fun like a ride on the rollercoaster. Suffering from it drains you from all the energy you can muster up for the day and takes even more.
RenRen Tienda 8 years ago
I'm afraid of confessing to my family that there are days when I stare at the mirror and think just how much of a failure I am. I've even thought that I shouldn't be here anymore (that is quite often, but this year it has been better). I'm doing my best but it's always not enough for me. But I am glad that I still, somehow, want to live. I want to have a family, I want to keep drawing and taking care of my pets. I want to see my real friends more and tell them how precious they are. The last time I tried to hurt myself (I'm proud to say that it was back in 2012) I called a friend and she came running to my house to talk to me out of it. We're not friends anymore, but I'll always treasure that moment. I am also more or less proud of myself for being capable of keeping up and be there for people that need me. I live with my aunt and she has severe depression. She makes me want to be strong and support her, makes me to want to welcome her with a smile and a hug everyday. I'm fine now.
Sophie the witch 8 years ago
Damn, I thought I was a mild case. But nope, apparently, this is not normal. It's been so long since I've known what is. And I have anxiety too, I can't go to school - I think I get the award for the best pity party, lol.
Jesus Wäre 8 years ago
This makes me unbelievably sad. There's also the Internet that seems to idolize depression. It's a never ending battle with no winner.
Marie Rundel 8 years ago
Depression is hell in your mind,your thoughts,your soul every second of every moment. Depression is patient and kills you slowly from inside
Hayley Benoit 4 years ago
Same I go through that a lot most of the time i don't even brush my hair for 3 months. I however have no problem doing all this for my kids everyday though. Depression is weird and it sucks.
cyberbird 8 years ago
I believe the girl in the pictures is a model, she doesn't look lacking hygiene.
cyberbird 8 years ago
So the two (so far) downvoters think the girl on the picture lacks hygiene. Would had said so, for me to down vote you :CP
Load More Replies... cyberbird 8 years ago
You're not ugly, you're just judging too rough on yourself.
Load More Replies...
Talia Johnson 8 years ago
Anyone who has anything negative to say about depression sufferers should go and read Allie Brosh's pictoral story of depression on her blog Hyperbole and a Half. You can't really understand it unless you're in it - we should try our best not to judge others as our experiences are never theirs and vice versa. Kindness and understanding really are important.
Mascha Claessens 8 years ago
I remember my best friend having a severe depression during her teenage years. Back then I didn't really understand what was 'wrong' with her, and thought she was just a difficult teenager (which was also hard to understand for me, because I was such an easy one). I never went from her side though, and we're still best friends, even though it was hard at times, she liked to push people away (she still does that occasionally, as she also has borderline pd). Now I DO understand how it is to have an invisible illness (I have Crohn's disease). The fatigue and tiredness at times, just getting out of bed or, indeed, taking a shower, is sometimes such a big step to make. It obviously isn't exactly the same, but when I first started experiencing these things, I really felt myself growing up real quick, and understand the importance of being understanding, kind, honest and loyal to each other, because those kind of people were/are there for me and I need to be there for them as well. :-)
Load More Replies... Louie Neira 8 years ago
I'm going through this. The more you suffer, the less people want to help. People tell me to just "be happy" and act like nothing's wrong, but I've come to think it's more for their benefit, not mine. Tell a person with depression to be happy is like telling someone with cancer to "get better soon."
Anna Thouvenin 8 years ago
People are scared of what they can't control. So they just tend to avoid it so it doesn't scare them too much.
Load More Replies... Martha Gicharu 8 years ago
I am going through depression now and everyone thinks I'm just seeking attention... it really hurts
Alvaro MoVi 8 years ago
Well maybe you do, is that a bad thing? I think not. But being fragile, or accept that you need emotional comfort and care it's like a disea
Load More Replies... Long Joan Silver 8 years ago
I wish more people understood the hell that goes through our minds when us depression sufferers go through a dark period. I have to agree with Katelyn, the most simplest tasks are so hard for us to manage at times; and we get nagged for not doing that basic task. If only people knew how we really feel, they would try to help us.
Dave Gunderson 8 years ago
Depression is a silent killer I feel that I just don't care anymore ...I could care less if i live or die. I feel like this most of the time..I do not do the things i used too..
Michel M. Prins 8 years ago
Do not lose hope yet, there are still many ways to get out of that situation in a healthy way, which is to seek actual help from a psychiatrist who has a lot of knowledge towards depression. There is no shame in going to a psychiatrist and many, MANY people have done the same. In fact, it's very wise to do such a thing. Improving your situation won't happen overnight and you will have to put in a lot of energy. But a lot can be possible if you give it a chance. I firmly believe in you Dave :) Stay strong
Load More Replies... cyberbird 8 years ago
I've read somewhere, depression is related to genetics and some persons are predisposed to this disorder. Prescription drugs are useless and dangerous, so the patient does better with much sun, vitamine D, Emotional Freement Therapy, whole foods (avoid processed foods and grains) and get a hobby; mushrooms would be helpful if not banned. Good luck to everyone.
lazy panda 8 years ago
Genetics definitely plays a role. I've had four family members commit suicide due to extreme depression that no one knew about and I've been struggling with it for over 10 years. The thing with the remedies that you mentioned is that the person has to be willing to actually get up and go outside. I for one usually just lock myself away from everyone and sleep. And let me tell you, without depression medications, I know I would be dead.
Load More Replies... MidS 8 years ago
To the person (Hi_Welcome_to_Chili's) who has so knowledgeably commented saying 'they should stop being depressed', THANK YOU! I'm baffled at how this never occured to anyone else. Thank you for your wisdom. Cominh bavk to logic...If you think depressed people drain you emotionally, don't hang out with them. Just because your friend with depression turned out to be not-so-pleasant does not mean you can generalize. Depression is a common illness and you don't just get over it. It is curable with therapy and at times medication. It's like any physical illness, you can't just be happy all the time. As for it happening to only 'pretty' people. That's highly subjective. You may consider yourself ugly and rightfully so, but the claim that depression happens to only 'pretty' people is dumb and illogical.
Cat Meow 8 years ago
Stay strong, Katelyn. And take one step - no matter how tiny - at a time, and don't fret over any step back that may come along the way. In the end, you'll take more steps forward than backward. That said, I wish people would start understanding what it means to suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. None of these are a easy or fun like a ride on the rollercoaster. Suffering from it drains you from all the energy you can muster up for the day and takes even more.
RenRen Tienda 8 years ago
I'm afraid of confessing to my family that there are days when I stare at the mirror and think just how much of a failure I am. I've even thought that I shouldn't be here anymore (that is quite often, but this year it has been better). I'm doing my best but it's always not enough for me. But I am glad that I still, somehow, want to live. I want to have a family, I want to keep drawing and taking care of my pets. I want to see my real friends more and tell them how precious they are. The last time I tried to hurt myself (I'm proud to say that it was back in 2012) I called a friend and she came running to my house to talk to me out of it. We're not friends anymore, but I'll always treasure that moment. I am also more or less proud of myself for being capable of keeping up and be there for people that need me. I live with my aunt and she has severe depression. She makes me want to be strong and support her, makes me to want to welcome her with a smile and a hug everyday. I'm fine now.
Sophie the witch 8 years ago
Damn, I thought I was a mild case. But nope, apparently, this is not normal. It's been so long since I've known what is. And I have anxiety too, I can't go to school - I think I get the award for the best pity party, lol.
Jesus Wäre 8 years ago
This makes me unbelievably sad. There's also the Internet that seems to idolize depression. It's a never ending battle with no winner.
Marie Rundel 8 years ago
Depression is hell in your mind,your thoughts,your soul every second of every moment. Depression is patient and kills you slowly from inside
Hayley Benoit 4 years ago
Same I go through that a lot most of the time i don't even brush my hair for 3 months. I however have no problem doing all this for my kids everyday though. Depression is weird and it sucks.
cyberbird 8 years ago
I believe the girl in the pictures is a model, she doesn't look lacking hygiene.
cyberbird 8 years ago
So the two (so far) downvoters think the girl on the picture lacks hygiene. Would had said so, for me to down vote you :CP
Load More Replies... cyberbird 8 years ago
You're not ugly, you're just judging too rough on yourself.
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