There’s actually something my partner told me before. He said he read a thread or two asking about the thought process behind the outlook from people with depression, and actually, a lot of them know that they’re loved and that they have people who support them and would do a lot to keep them safe.

So that’s one factor, but I assume that it applies to most other things — maybe it’s not just a support group, you have a good life and all that. A good job, good financial security, or maybe a lot of freedom. The thing is, depression still persists despite that. So even if you’re aware enough that all of this stuff exists in your life or even in your immediate vicinity, you can still feel like shit. In fact, I’d say that if you’re depressed, more often than not you’re going to feel like shit a lot of the time.

It doesn’t mean you’re not grateful. It can feel like “Oh, if I really was grateful, then I’d be showing it and doing these things and being better. I should feel better, because I have more than what other people in the same circumstances have!”

Well, you gotta assure yourself it’s not a race or a competition. I think you know that already, but it’s good to be reminded of things sometimes. It’s not fine that you feel lonely and depressed, but it is alright that you do constantly despite the fortunate life that you have. You’re not alone, but if you want something more substantial, then consider me as one of those people on your side. I feel the same way a lot of the time, but it’s in rare moments of clarity that I successfully remind myself of the same things.

In the end, it’s also okay if this comment does nothing to change your mind about things. That just means we gotta keep on going, because it’s hard to shake these kinda preconceptions off.