What depression is... (for me)

Depression is setting an alarm for the morning even though you know you won't sleep.

Depression is trying not to fall asleep throughout the day because you know things need to be done.

Depression is working on autopilot, but still not doing anything useful.

Depression is feeling everything and nothing all at once.

Depression is not being able to breathe properly.

Depression is wondering why you thought doing certain things was a good idea.

Depression is feeling yourself getting bad, but being powerless to stop it.

Depression is having problems with your memory. Forgetting simple words. Only remembering things from years ago that will likely make you feel worse.

Depression is not being able to do things you usually enjoy.

Depression is reading the same page in a book over and over again because your eyes just can't focus, and when they do your brain just doesn't take it in.

Depression is getting a shower, and not noticing that the water has run cold.

Depression is knowing you have to eat, but not being able to make anything.

Depression is laughing with friends, but feeling like it sounds empty and hollow.

Depression is many things. It's not always crying in a corner. It's not always shutting yourself off from people. Some days my depression makes me more social because I'm trying to over compensate. It's not always not brushing your hair and teeth for a few days, though sometimes it might be. It's not always not getting dressed and staying in bed all day. Depression isn't always self harm and suicidal thoughts.

Depression is many things, but the bad days don't last forever, even when they feel like they might.