‘Depression isn’t beautiful’: Viral post shows reality of mental illness

Earlier this week, Katelyn Marie Todd shared a post on Facebook in which she spoke candidly about her experience with depression, in an effort to break down the stigma and shed a light on the reality of the mental illness.

The vulnerable post included a picture of Katelyn as she brushed her hair –  a simple act most of us wouldn't think twice about, but for someone who suffers with depression, even the most mundane daily tasks can become huge barriers. 

She wrote, ‘’I brushed my hair today. For the first time in 4 weeks.’’

‘’It was matted and twisted together. 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.’’

‘’When I got out of the shower, I couldn't stop sniffing my hair and arms. I've avoided hugging people for a while, because I never smell good.’’

‘’I always smell like I've been on bed rest for a week. I have no clean clothes, because I'm too tired and sad to wash them.’’

Recently, TV series like 13 Reasons Why have been criticised by some for ‘romanticising’ mental illness. Katelyn’s post makes the point that depression isn’t always what it’s portrayed to be by the media.

It’s messy, it’s lonely and above all else it’s ‘‘an emptiness you can physically feel.’’

‘’Depression isn't beautiful. Depression is bad hygiene, dirty dishes, and a sore body from sleeping too much. Depression is having 3 friends that are only still around because they have the patience and love of a saint.’’

‘’Depression is crying until there's no more tears, just dry heaving and sobbing until you're gasping for your next breath. Depression is staring at the ceiling until your eyes burn because you forget to blink.’’

Katelyn finished the raw and honest post by asking others to be easy on family and friends that might be going through a tough time. Be patient, and always take someone seriously if they confide in you.

‘’We're trying. I swear we're trying. See? I brushed my hair today.’’