What do psychologists think but keep to themselves about depressed people?

[Answered on Quora.com by Lisa Ike]

As a mental health therapist and with 2 years under my belt, I have discovered a consistent theme among my clients who struggle with depression and much other outstanding forms of mental ailments. I can say most of my clients experiencing depression care less about themselves and magnify attention on other individuals or material possessions. This has inadvertently served as their distractor as they worry less about their problems and see less of their self-destruction. The tangibles, the drama, the relationship have prevented them from addressing the provocation of their illness insofar they are unaware they suffer from depression until voiced by others.

Depression serves as their protect shield. Once they’ve reached this melancholic stage, the blows of life are no longer as strong for they expect only the worst of all possibilities. They have relinquished all efforts to try and seek a greater good. “Why try?” is always the question asked. The thing is, it’s quite simple to maintain this state of inactivity once you’ve accepted this as your reality.

It’s quite difficult waking up to the unexpected and flowing with the waves of life. It’s quite challenging placing a smile to blend with the masses after recovering from a heartbreak. It’s quite laborious engaging in robotic transactions for a paycheck that solely covers rent and alternate basic needs. It’s quite challenging living day by day with effortless ease and calmness when the world has persistently ridiculed your authenticity and banned you from their social circle of honor.

Letting go of life and themselves is the route many of my clients have decided to take in order to cope with the unbalance of their life. The majority could care less of the road ahead and at times, would rather forgo any path that propels them to vitality. They have settled in this state and feel no need to experience the zest of life, for life has failed them.

Edit: I have reviewed the comments of this response and vaule the opinions shared by others. It is quite easy speaking from our personal standpoint and feeling angered when our experience is not ‘accurately’ stated. I thrive on learning and wish to continue this journey as I work with my clients and read your feedback.

I would like to state: my response was SOLELY based on observations of my clients. It is by no means a general assessment, my personal perspective or my attempt to cure depression. My thought exactly is: “I hope I can shift their life outlook and allow in a positive view.” I hope we can continue to engage in productive dialogue. Thanks!