A Facebook post is gaining traction for its unfiltered and sincere portrayal of depression. This mental health condition affects millions, yet many still struggle to grasp its true impact. While statistics and research can inform us, nothing compares to the insights shared by those who have battled depression themselves. Seventeen-year-old Mia Sanders recently posted a powerful message and image that resonates deeply with those familiar with the illness, quickly capturing the attention of thousands online.
“I finally brushed my hair today,” Sanders shared in her now-famous post. For many, this may seem like a mundane task, but for Sanders, it represented a significant achievement. It was the first time in a month she had attended to her hair, which had become tangled and knotted. As she washed and conditioned it, tears streamed down her face, reminding her of the simple joy of running her fingers through her hair again. She also reflected on other small victories, like brushing her teeth for the first time in days and taking a shower.
“After my shower, I couldn’t stop smelling my hair and arms,” she wrote. “I’ve avoided hugging people because I feel like I smell bad. I feel like I carry the scent of someone who’s been in bed for a week. I have no clean clothes because I lack the energy to do laundry.”
Sanders candidly described her struggle with self-care and hygiene as a result of her depressive episode. With striking honesty, she painted a picture of what life with depression truly looks like, hoping to foster understanding among those who may not experience it firsthand.
“Depression isn’t glamorous. It’s about neglecting personal hygiene, dirty dishes piling up, and feeling physically drained from too much sleep. It’s having only a few friends who stick around out of patience and love. It’s crying until you can’t any longer, just gasping for air between sobs. It’s staring at the ceiling until your eyes ache because you forget to blink.”
Mia concluded her heartfelt message with a plea to friends and family of those grappling with depression. “Please be gentle with those who find it hard to muster the energy to clean, socialize, or care for themselves. And when they talk to you about their struggles, take them seriously. We’re doing our best. Look, I brushed my hair today.”
In just a few days, her post has been shared over 211,000 times, garnering more than 14,000 supportive comments. She hopes her message will promote a sense of community and understanding.
With an estimated 16 million individuals experiencing at least one depressive episode annually, it’s crucial to change the narrative surrounding mental health. Mia expressed her desire for people to realize that depression is not a choice. “It’s not laziness or a crutch. It can’t be resolved with positive affirmations or simply snapping out of it. Instead of diminishing someone’s feelings by saying others have it worse, offer an ear to listen.”
She also highlighted the fluctuating nature of depression, crediting her recent progress to her support system and coping mechanisms like writing and art. “When I tell someone about my depression, they often point out moments when I’ve smiled or enjoyed time with friends. But for me, depression is a constant undercurrent of sadness. I do experience genuine happiness, but that emptiness is always lurking beneath.”
To others facing similar battles, Mia wants them to remember they are not alone. “You are not alone. You are worthy of love. Take care of yourself. Brush your hair. Stay hydrated. Love yourself.”
This article was originally published on May 9, 2017.
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In summary, Mia Sanders’ candid Facebook post has opened up an important dialogue about the realities of living with depression, encouraging compassion and understanding among friends and family members.
Keyphrase: understanding depression
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