Depression has a sneaky way of twisting the truth.
It whispers insidious thoughts that can feel like absolute realities, even when they’re not. What’s worse is that these lies your brain tells you can be persuasive, making you doubt your worth, your relationships, and your future. These are some of the most common things your depression might be telling you—and why they’re simply not true. If you recognise them, you can challenge them and fight back!
1. You’re a burden to everyone.
Depression loves to convince you that you’re a weight on the people around you. The truth is, your loved ones care about you and want to support you. Being human means sometimes needing help, and that doesn’t make you a burden. Offering support is something people do out of love, not obligation.
2. Nobody really cares about you.
When you’re in the depths of depression, it can feel like no one cares or notices you. This is a lie designed to isolate you. The reality is that people do care, even if your mind tries to convince you otherwise. Depression makes it hard to see the love that’s actually there.
3. You’re weak for feeling this way.
Depression tells you that your struggles are a sign of weakness. In reality, facing depression each day takes immense strength. You are not weak; you are incredibly resilient for carrying on despite how heavy things feel. Acknowledging your feelings is a sign of courage, not weakness.
4. Things will never get better.
Depression has a way of making everything feel permanent. It tells you that your current state is forever, but this isn’t true. Feelings, even the darkest ones, are temporary. With time, support, and treatment, things can and do improve. Hope exists, even if you can’t see it right now.
5. You don’t deserve happiness.
This lie can be particularly cruel. Depression convinces you that happiness is for other people, not for you. But everyone deserves joy, including you. Your worth isn’t determined by your struggles. You are just as deserving of happiness and peace as anyone else.
6. You’re failing at life.
Depression makes you feel like you’re falling behind or that everyone else has it together except you. The truth is, everyone has challenges, even if you can’t see them. Surviving each day while battling depression is an achievement in itself. You are not failing; you’re doing your best.
7. People are better off without you.
This is one of the most dangerous lies depression tells. It tries to convince you that your absence would improve things for other people. The reality is, you matter deeply to the people who love you. Your presence has value, even if you can’t see it right now. Your life makes a difference.
8. You’re not good enough.
Depression can amplify feelings of inadequacy, making you believe you’ll never measure up. But your worth isn’t determined by accomplishments or perfection. You are enough just as you are, flaws and all. Your value doesn’t diminish because of how you’re feeling.
9. You’ll never achieve your goals.
When motivation is low and everything feels impossible, depression tells you your dreams are out of reach. But having goals, no matter how small, is still progress. You might be moving slower than you’d like, but progress is progress. Your goals are still valid and achievable.
10. You’re alone in this.
Depression isolates you and makes you feel like no one understands. The truth is, many people have experienced similar struggles, and help is available. You are not alone, even if it feels that way. There are people who want to support you through this.
11. You should be able to fix this by yourself.
Depression might tell you that asking for help is a sign of failure. In reality, getting support when you’re struggling is one of the bravest things you can do. Mental health struggles are not something you have to manage alone. Therapy, friends, and support systems exist for a reason.
12. You’re wasting your life.
When depression drains your energy and motivation, it can make you feel like you’re not doing enough. But resting and coping are not wastes of time. Surviving tough days is a valid way to spend your time. Your journey doesn’t need to look productive to be meaningful.
13. Your feelings aren’t valid.
Depression might make you feel like you’re overreacting or that your emotions aren’t justified. But your feelings are always valid. What you’re experiencing is real, and it deserves attention and care. Ignoring or dismissing your feelings won’t make them go away.
14. You’ll always feel this empty.
Depression makes emptiness feel endless. It lies to you, saying that this numbness is permanent. But feelings change, even when it doesn’t seem like they will. The emptiness can lift, and joy can return, often when you least expect it. Hold onto the possibility of change.
15. No one would understand if you shared.
Depression tells you that opening up will lead to judgment or rejection. The truth is, many people are more understanding and supportive than you might think. Sharing your struggles can bring relief and connection. You might even find other people who’ve been through similar experiences.
