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7 Ways To Help You Write When You Feel Depressed

how to write an essay when you're depressed

If you are a writer who struggles with depression, you are not alone. Some research even suggests that writers are more prone to depression than the general population. If you feel severely depressed, it is important to get professional support. This article is not about how to find support, but how to keep going when it feels you can’t ever write another word. Both are important.

Depression can destroy our motivation and productivity and that can lead to feeling even more depressed. If this is your experience, I hope this article will help you to keep writing while you get the support you need.

My first daughter was six months old when I began studying for an MA in Creative Writing. I wrote in snatches when she slept – which wasn’t often – and I was often exhausted. Before the first year was out, I was pregnant again and although I arranged an intermission and planned to find a babysitter for when the intermission was over, these plans went totally awry when our second daughter was born three months prematurely.

A Health Visitor came to see me to determine whether or not I had post-natal depression. She read a list of statements and asked me to agree or disagree. The statements were along these lines: I feel anxious and scared for no good reason.

The Health Visitor concluded I was somewhat depressed, and she was right.

Yet, although I didn’t start the second year of my course as planned, I went back in April, and the following year completed the MA, with distinction. Sometimes I look back and wonder how I did it.

But here’s how I did it, and how you can too.

Keep a Journal

From when my baby was a few days old, I kept a journal. My plan for this journal was to one day pass it on to her, so she could know what her early days were like and know how I’d felt about her. And if she didn’t survive it would be for her sister. For months, that was the only writing I did. The baby came home, became seriously ill and went back into hospital on a ventilator. Through it all I journaled; it kept me sane.

The baby survived and came home again. One night, I fed her at 4 am and couldn’t sleep afterwards. Ideas flooded my mind so I got up and wrote them down. The next day I started a different journal – one that was required for my course. And I began work on my creative writing again.

Read About People Going Through The Same Thing

Deal With Disturbing Thoughts

Every night when I went to bed my mind would fill with memories of my daughter’s birth and early days in intensive care, memories that left me panicky and depressed. So I would deliberately think about the novel opening that I was writing for my degree. This is not what most experts would recommend to someone with sleep problems, but lying in bed planning what to write disturbed my sleep considerably less than replaying memories that sent me into depression. As a bonus, I sometimes dreamed about what to write. While ordinarily, I wouldn’t recommend this as a bedtime routine, if you experience similar panic and disturbing thoughts at night it’s worth a try.

A longer term solution is to write your thoughts down. Journalling before bedtime has often helped me to sleep better and when I sleep better I’m happier. If you wake in the night with your mind racing, don’t try to fight it––that only makes it worse. Instead be as kind to yourself as you can, the same as you would with a small child or friend. Again, writing your thoughts down can help,

Deal With Self-Critical Thoughts About Writing

When I returned to writing after my daughter’s birth, there was a major change to my process, and this method I heartily recommend.

In Bird by Bird , Anne Lamott suggests that to get started we stop worrying about the quality of our writing and allow ourselves to produce “shitty first drafts.” She also describes the voices in our heads that say our writing is no good – the negative thoughts we have about ourselves. When we are depressed these thoughts come more frequently and with more intensity so to be able to write we need to find a way around them. Or, more accurately, a way to work with them.

I used a mix of Lamott’s method and the process Natalie Goldberg recommends, when you just keep writing and don’t pause to reread the last line, don’t cross out and don’t worry about punctuation or grammar. Just write. This takes you deep into the unconscious mind, to what Goldberg calls “first thoughts.”

I added something else. When those negative thoughts came into my mind and threatened to stop me writing, I wrote them down. Right in the middle of whatever narrative I was working on, I’d write, “Oh this is stupid. It’s hopeless.” Or, “I can’t do this.”

And then, I countered that with: “You can do it, just keep going, it’s okay.”

Writing the negative thoughts down made them lose their power, whereas writing encouragement helped me keep going.

Of course, you wouldn’t publish something you’d written this way without making changes. It’s a way to get past the internal censors and once you’ve got the first draft then you can edit out everything you’d never want anyone else to see!

To recap here are the main points:

Ways To Help You Write When You Feel Depressed

Write whatever you can, even if it’s not your usual style. (So don’t try to write humour if you can’t.)
Journal, journal, journal.
Do whatever you need to help you write, even if it’s not what “experts” would suggest. I thought about my novel at bedtime, but you might find that sitting in a noisy cafe works for you. The only thing I’d warn against is using alcohol or drugs to get you through. They might seem to get your creative juices going, but soon they will stifle creativity, and stifle you.
Write first drafts without editing.
Notice the “voices” or thoughts that get you stuck, but instead of believing them, write them down. You could try this process of inquiry for sticky beliefs.
Write encouragements to yourself.
Be gentle on yourself, and don’t take on more than you can manage. Remind yourself the depression will pass and you will be stronger afterwards for having carried on writing and taking care of yourself.

14 Comments on “7 Ways To Help You Write When You Feel Depressed”

Such a thoughtful post! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and your tips!

Roshni http://www.indianamericanmom.com

Thanks Roshni!

Wow. Thank you for writing this. Struggling with how to keep writing when it isn’t coming is hard. I appreciate you finding a way to help us all keep on.

Kristi, I hope you never need these tips! And thank you for your comment.

Thank you so much for this, Yvonne. It was just a huge help.

I’m very glad that it was helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

holy moses thanks for sharing that. Those are great tips… really. I have been having some trouble lately and because Im a therapist everyone thinks Im immune to sadness… fat chance! So these are really thoughtful and helpful!

Hi Zoe, I’m glad you found this helpful. I’m sure even therapists have feelings like everyone else – sometimes there is just stuff we need to work through, whoever we are! Thanks for your comment.

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Thank you for the inspiration. Glad I found this rather old post. Proof that this is a universal topic.

Hi Ilham, I’m glad you found it inspiring. Thanks for reading.

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Thank you for this. Honestly, your last point is the one that I personally need to remember the most, and I know I’m not alone. When we’re in that dark place, it can be SO easy to get down on ourselves for not ‘doing something’ about it or pulling ourselves out. Especially with a society that likes to act like overcoming mental illness is as simple as ‘choosing to be happy’. If only it was that easy!

Hi Britt, absolutely beating ourselves for feeling down never ever helps, but just digs us in deeper. People who feel depressed or low need soothing, not scolding. When we’re feeling down, self-compassion is far more effective at creating change than trying to force ourselves to feel better.

And on your point about societal expectations: you might be interested to know that some studies have shown people who feel bad about themselves feel even worse after reading affirmations, whereas for people who already have high self-esteem they do give a boost.

More ways to follow me

Writers and Depression: How to Keep Writing Through the Darkness

by Miriam Nicholson | 61 comments

I feel the chains pull me down as I sink into the dark. Fighting it with fear pulsing through me till despair claims my heart, I can't get out, I can't move, I'm trapped in depression. Writers and depression: not a good combination.

Writers and Depression: How to Keep Writing Through the Darkness

Hey everyone. I'm back, and it's been three more years since my post on self-doubt . Two years, but I've been writing so I guess it's a victory of sorts. However, it has been the hardest thing to keep going.

Through those two years, I've found out that I have anxiety and depression, had to move away from home with no resources, and come to terms with the fact that my childhood was filled with passive aggression and emotional abuse. It has been the hardest thing I've ever had to face, and I now find it affecting my writing.

Writers and Depression and Anxiety: An Endless Cycle

Some people might shrug that off—anxiety, depression, who cares? Just stop being anxious or depressed. What they don't realize is it’s not something you can shrug off. Heck, if you could you’d have done that a long time ago. Why make yourself suffer if it was that easy to get rid of? It affects everything, and for me writing was hit the hardest.

Every time I pick up a writing piece or think about what I want to write next, it comes like a thief in the night to stab me with doubt. “What are you doing? Haven't we already confirmed this? You aren't a writer. You can't do it,” it says and laughs at my pain, my anguish, as I clutch my wounds and try to keep walking.

I am wrapped in chains as the depression follows, each thought adding to my already impossible weight. It's not too long before the wound and weight make me fall, leaving me motionless and alone. I can't get up, and even if I could the effort is too much.

My anxiety and depression watch me and laugh, dancing around me in glee. Everything within me wants to give up, give in, and vanish, but one spark remains in my heavy heart. I focus on it and somehow keep moving because of the spark that got me into the game, the spark that tells me I can't give up. And so, I trudge on with great effort, one step at a time.

Anyone who’s been in it knows the cycle. Rinse and Repeat. A endless cycle of paralyzing doubt, fear, and hopelessness. And yet here we stand, still here, hollow survivors.

Some days it's hard to even get to the writing point, some days it's hard to wake up, and some days it's hard to go to bed. I push on. The only way to fight it is to do what it says you can't —a task so heavy and so great that it is almost bitter sweet.

Sure, you could write something and banish doubt for a time, but it's bound to return when you look at it again. When you start to see the imperfections. The only way to fight it is to keep going.

Writing Through the Pain

Pain is powerful. It breaks us, tears us down, leaving behind tattered emotions and shredded dreams. It’s hard to face; it’s just easier to let it stay, hidden in your soul. Oft times we smile it away, but deep inside it remains.

That is my everyday now. Most days I can't write. Most days that fact drags me deeper into depression. And when depression takes a break, anxiety comes right after, using its sharp knives to convince me to cower from the page and not write at all.

When I get like this, the only thing I can do to break the cycle is vomit on the page. I never know what's going to come out, and starting to write is the hardest part. My pain spews out on the page like blood. I let the words flow; I refuse to look at them.

Sometimes you just have to write.

It doesn't have to be published, it doesn't have to be in a piece you're working on. The point is to get the doubts on the page, and only then can you start to counter them.

Fear Flees From Action

I can see your eyes rolling. I’m sure you’ve heard this before. I can see your yes buts . It’s okay. Action is hard. A four-letter word that makes you shake and curl up inside. Fear so powerful that it’s a presence on your shoulder—how could it just go away?

I’ve been there. I never believed the stories that it fled from action, at least not consciously. Till the one day it just hurt too much to not write. It had been a rough day, anxiety and depression pulling me to my wit's end, but I hadn’t said a word. I was trained out of communicating painful things, but this time it was just too much.

I didn’t want to open a blank page; I didn’t want to start writing; fear pulled at me—but my pain spoke louder. I opened the doc and with trembling fingers started writing. It quickly became nearly gibberish as I wrote with tears flowing down my face, but it felt so good. Anger frustration grief all being taken off my shoulders and thrown on the page. Fear completely gone from my mind within the first paragraph.

I'd like to urge you guys to write anyway. It's going to be hard, it's going to hurt, and in some cases it'll make you cry. Write it anyway. You can't fix a blank page.

Once you write, reward yourself. Anything from watching a favorite movie, to eating a candy bar, or treating yourself in any other way. This is important. Because if you don't reward yourself the doubt can just as easily say that what you made was a fraud. By rewarding yourself you acknowledge that you did something good, something worthwhile.

Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty about a job well done. You earned it.

You Can Do It

I’m not going to start this saying it’ll be easy. It won’t be. It might be the hardest thing you ever do, but of course facing fear is always scary. It was hard to let myself accept what my parents were, and harder still to realize I had anxiety and depression. But I’m still here, still fighting the fight. You can too.

You can take control back in your life. No matter how deep you go, you can make it through even if you're not out yet. You have the power to get up anyway. No matter how many times you’ve done it before, you can do it again and again.

Even if your body gives up on you, even if you’ve had enough, even if it takes all your effort to get out of bed. You can do it. As long as you don’t give up on yourself, nothing can stop you. Even if you don’t believe that and only long to, that is enough. You are enough. All it takes is one step, one choice, one word.

All you need to do is start.

Have you ever experienced anxiety or depression in your writing? How did you overcome it? Let me know in the comments .

For fifteen minutes , I want you to vomit on the page everything that is keeping you from writing, whatever project you are working on. Or, you can simply describe your experience with writing and mental illness. Don't stop to edit; just try to write as much as you can. I won't make you share that piece in the comments if you don't want, although you're more than welcome to. Happy writing!

Miriam Nicholson

Miriam is a dreamer filled with passion for her writing. You can read more of it on her website . You can also connect with her on Facebook and email her .

61 Comments

This is so so so important. Thank you so much for writing this. Normally I would take the time to write my practice piece before commenting, but I had to respond to this article as soon as I finished reading it. I have anxiety and depression as well; have done since I was a little kid, and I’m in college now. I went through the worst depressive episode I’ve ever had a few months ago. Writing was the one thing that kept me going. Diving into my characters’ world for a little while helped me cope with my own. I’m now on anti-depressants, doing much better, and writing a novel about a woman with depression. Thank you again for writing this article and sharing your experiences. It means so much.

I’m glad it resonated with you 🙂 It’s a bit scary for me to put this out there if I’m honest but i’m glad it helped you 🙂 Good luck on your writing and college!

Hah! there’s no solution to curing depression and anxiety. You say “write about it.” Voila’ and kill three birds with one stone. A triple reward, but am I not stuck with depression and anxiety even though I’ve overcome my procrastination? Is this the blessing and reward from having depression and anxiety?

I agree with you. I don’t think that writing can cure depression or anxiety. But it sure as hell can make you feel a whole lot better. I loved this article. I don’t have any horrible thing that’s ever happened to me like abuse or stuff like that and thank God for that. But I do struggle with really low self esteem and no self confidence. Also, I just want to add something. Writing on paper can help better than typing on the computer. I’ve tried both and I think the former helps better. If you get so angry, you can press so hard on the paper and break the lead and that’s a good feeling.

It isn’t that I can’t write, it is I can’t stop crying. The onslaught of tears blurs my vision to the point I can’t see to type. The nasal discharge interferes with my thought process. The pain is so intense I feel as if my brain is sucked into the vortex of darkness and prison. I don’t want to feel this way. I would love to rise up and cast off the darkness, push aside the ubiquitous black clouds and see the sun. Some days I can manage to sweep away the possibility of pain. Some days I can navigate the fringe of pain and stay mainly on the highway to strong. Some days I can only ride the wave of tears, grabbing glimpses of hope, taking a breath, going to the bathroom, eating a good meal. Some days I can even laugh at the comments of ‘just get over it’ ‘let it go’. Are you kidding? I vow every day to let go of the pain but some days it is just so damn tenacious. And yes I wrote right through to the other side of the pain.

Hey Karen, I feel for you. I really do. I hope you can weather the storm we are both in. So glad you were able to write to the other side of pain. Just remember, we are warriors. We battle every day! We can do this!

Hi Karen, I am sorry that you are going through a lot of pain that prevents you from writing. But it seems that you are able to produce poetry lines (“push aside the ubiquitous black clouds and see the sun”) from having such intense emotions in your comment. It sucks to go through such terrible emotional pain, but I hope you will find a way to “use” that in your writing and overcome your struggle soon.

I love this article. I only wish Ernest Hemmingway was around to read this. He did battle depression.

It seems like a lot of writers battle depression or anxiety at some point in their career. So glad you enjoyed it!

Hemingway is an alcoholic, that causes his depression

which came first, the drinking or the depression? or the depression and the self-medication of drinking…

It’s funny, funny odd that is. This morning I had a serious panic attack. What sets it off for me are smells. I made a mistake of spraying something in the house and this morning I ran around the house screaming. I know it’s not the same, your problem is long lasting mine is short but it is still like yours in that it is controlled in our minds. I’m sorry for you and your problem. This hit me right out of nowhere. Yours is like a slow burning fuse mine is like a bomb! Hang in there.

Thanks Larry, some days are harder then others but I’m making it slowly. I hope you can deal with your panic attacks too! I know that some times smells really trigger me too. Thanks for your comment!

I come from an alcoholic family. Anxiety and depression have been constant companions since adolescence. I began journaling at age twelve, and have been doing so daily for several years. In this way, I use my writing to process my feelings. When working on my fiction, short story, essay, or memoir writing, I falter. Anxiety and depression thwart me even getting started, afflicting me with fatigue that renders me immobile. In addition to journaling, which has saved my life, I encourage writers to seek professional counseling, another life saver. Don’t be afraid of medication if you need it. I have to have all three. To all my fellow writers who deal with anxiety and depression, I extend my heartfelt support and encouragement. Happy writing.

Yeah I’ve been trying to do this battle alone for a while now. But I’m now on medication and am in therapy which I’m hoping will be able to help me deal with this if it’s a forever thing in my life. Thanks for reading my post and your comment! Good luck to you as well!

I am right there with you, Billie. God Bless.

I just finished reading your article and can relate to it in so many ways. I have struggled with anxiety and depression off and on through out my life. That is the reason I decided to start writing again after so many years of not doing so. For me writing has always been a way to find answers. I just want to thank you for the honesty and courage you’ve shown in your writing.

Thanks for that Pat! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

I had a really bad childhood and I have an anxiety disorder and your article was the Same way I feel way writing has saved my life I have learn to turn negative feelings into something more creative I do have been days and that’s when I write what I feel and how I am feeling

I’m so glad you are able to do that! It really helps. I wish you luck in this battle we’re both in! Good luck with your writing!

Even free clinics have antidepressants. Run, don’t walk to the nearest clinic. You have a chemical imbalance in your brain. It’s no different than having diabetes. Your body isn’t working correctly. It might not have anything to do with your childhood, your current environment, or whatever. Those things exacerbate the problem but they aren’t always the cause. Stop trying to “handle” this on your own. You need professional help. Believe me. I know. I’ve been there.

Yeah, I know. I’m on some now and going to therapy. But even then it’s hard to write. I find that vomiting on the page at least gets me started there. I just don’t have very much motivation still. It helps a lot to vomit on the page for me.

Yes, Tsali. Spot on. I was glad to read your comment. Does it help, I wonder, to externalise/personalise/anthropomorphise depression? Without medication I cannot write and with it, not all the time. What I do know is this: my experience of depression and my sensitivity do make me a better writer; although I am ever aware of a degree of narcissism and a propensity to write purple prose.

One of the hardest things about anxiety and depression is that they affect your view of self, especially as compared to others. You look around and see a world of “normal” people and wonder if that will ever be you. The reality is that you are loved just the way you are. I have the love of family and friends and the unconditional love of God. Having struggled with depression since I was a teenager, this has been one of the most freeing truths. Truth is the enemy of depression, doubt, and anxiety who all like to live in the shadows of deception. They may always lurk behind me but I am not afraid of them any more.

That’s so great what growth you’ve had Jessica! I so agree. I’m still working on realizing I’m loved and all of that but your story gives me hope that I can eventually get there. Thanks!

I love the positive theme and voice that echoes throughout this article, and empathise completely with the emotional torment caused by anxiety and depression. I will remember this article as I face future doubts. Thank you.

Your welcome 🙂 thanks so much for reading it!

How timely that I came across this. I’m on day 6 of an anxiety attack that has my insides trembling, having trouble breathing and feeling lightheaded. I haven’t been able to write anything coherent since it started and only today started feeling okay about that. I’ve had anxiety for years, most of that time not knowing what it was, and after my diagnosis was able to build up my mental defenses against it. Those defenses were stripped away in one fell swoop and I’m having a hard time building them back up again, but I’m working on it. Thank you for sharing your struggles, it helps all of us who go through the same thing. By knowing we aren’t alone we can all learn to fight and cope in our own ways.

Your welcome 🙂 I like sharing with people and inspiring people. Good Luck in bringing back your mental resilience! You did it once you can do it again! Good luck in all your writing endeavors!

Personally, I’ve struggled with any means of progression in many of my favorite hobbies, recreational free-writing being a major one, due to frequently and relentlessly being victimized by anxiety attacks that make my normal levels of everyday anxiousness to triple instantaneously which then completely . On rare occasions, Ill feel brave enough to fight back for the things that I love which in 90% percent of the cases I end up defeated. Literally, these are those annoying moments when I have not even one sentence fully completed on my laptop screen and as always, my conscience comes barging in to throw in its 2 cents, “Are you joking right now? This is a joke, right?” which makes me delete and try to think of a new intro. “Give it up man … you’ll never be a real writer“. This is usually the point free-writing where Netflix suddenly seems way more appealing.

The worst part about this, in my opinion, is that when I have these episodes of anxiousness and depression fueled by anxiety like gasoline fueling an open fire, I have them at the most random and undesirable moments, thus making my sense of panicking even worse. For example, one second ill be in class feeling fine and ready to present my paper,“… you prepared all week for this paper man, no need to worry!” Then, boom! All it takes is for me to proofread my paper one last time, notice something doesn’t seem quite right about the grammar in one sentence and just like that, it’s all downhill from there. Anxiety plays it’s key role by making me believe that I have found another error, then another, and another until I’m forced into believing that the entire paper, all 7 pages, is nonsense speaking gibberish, and then finally depression swings in for the knockout and I’m looking for the nearest exit.

I chose to use a very mild example in order to show how fast and abruptly these unpleasant episodes of depression fueled anxiety can take over. I have been made subject to all forms of verbal abuse, but I was especially abused both emotionally and mentally for years by everyone I know and am currently still dealing with such abuse. There have been unforgettable incidents where my depression is so heavily buried within me that I unknowingly push away everything and anything that designed or willing to help me feel better. Similar ncidents where my anxiety reaches a point so high that its feels uncontrollable and unbearable, and thats when I find everything extremely irritating. My solution, which isnt really a solution, is to isolate myself from everything and prefer to be alone until I feel somewhat alleviated. But the hardest part for me to deal with overall is the fact that I developed these really bad cases of social anxiety and long periods of heavy depression overtime and it was right after coming out of high school and going into college. This made my college experience a hellbent nightmare for 2 very long and dreadful years. Pressured mounted on top of my head by strange faces in every direction on campus, assignments we were given that sometimes were really difficult to understand, and impossible deadlines for huge projects I had to meet in order to recieve a passing grade. I was never the type to be socially anxious or nervous around people, let alone believe that I have reasons for depression. In fact, during my high school years I was completely the opposite of what I am now. Social interactions with whomever and wherever where never seen as a potential risk of anxiety attacks. I loved engaging in conversation with friends, teachers, and even strangers at some points and during my high school years I was convinced that depression was only something people old get since none of my friends never mentioned it. Thats absolutely the worst part about it for me. The fact that no matter what I seem to do now in order to get rid of these conficts, I am unable to outgrow these horrible feelings.

Personally, I’ve struggled with any means of progression in many of my favorite hobbies, recreational free-writing being a major one, due to frequently and relentlessly being victimized by anxiety attacks that make my normal levels of everyday anxiousness triple instantaneously. On rare occasions, Ill feel brave enough to fight back these emotions for the things that I enjoy doing, but about 90% percent of time I end up losing. Literally, these are those annoying moments when I have not even one sentence fully completed on my laptop screen, and as always, my conscience comes barging in to throw in its 2 cents. “Are you joking right now? This is a joke, right? Give it up man … you’ll never be a real writer“. This is usually the point

where Netflix suddenly seems way more appealing.

But the hardest part for me to deal with overall is the fact that I developed these really bad cases of social anxiety and long periods of heavy depression overtime and it was right after coming out of high school and going into college. I was never the type to be socially anxious or nervous around people, let alone believe that I have reasons for depression. In fact, during my high school years I was completely the opposite of what I am now. Thats absolutely the worst part about it for me. The fact that no matter what I seem to do now in order to get rid of these anxiety attacks and depression episodes, I am unable to outgrow these daily nightmares. This made my college experience a hellbent struggle for 2 very long and dreadful years. Pressure quickly mounted on top of my head from strangers faces staring at me from every direction on campus, from assignments we were given that sometimes were really difficult to understand, and especially those nearly impossible deadlines we had to meet in order to recieve a passing grade. Im suprised I didnt have a heart attack.

I relate to everything you have said here. I’ve been there. I haven’t been able to write a thing lately. this was written a while ago. I wish I could just shrug it off. Take something and bam have it be gone in the morning like a headache.

I cant and am afraid now to edit anything I write because of what you said about that paper. If I let myself edit it most times i convince myself that it’s awful. And it destroys the piece. I feel for you and support you as much as possible in the battle we are both going through.

God Bless you.

This is a very interesting and timely article. I didn’t realize that creative writing was so demanding until I joined the Write Practice. I enjoy the variety of articles made available to me and I like the comments/feedback from members of the Community. However, I have problems trying to complete my stories. I waste a lot of time trying to tie the different parts of the story together Another issue is that I’m very slow with typing, so it takes me much longer to finish the assignments. Then when I’m writing I get easily distracted by following the links on whatever materials I’m reading to support my writing. Thanks for the tips you’ve given me about how to continue even when I don’t feel like doing so. I’m sure to keep at it. Thanks for your help.

I just took this test like right now and then checked my emails to find this and wow it helped … the test said my anxiety is VERY HIGH but right now im like yeah right..

I’ am frustrated writer and I don’t know where to start. I want to learn more and creative in writing and successful in career writing, I need guidance from authors and I don’t courage to write.

Well the best place to start is the beginning. Where writing began, writing. It sounds simple but honestly if you want to pursue a career as a writer you need to write. Not to bash guidance from other writers, it certainly has it’s place. but if you aren’t writing then it won’t do you any good.

Writing takes a lot of courage, that’s for sure. You’re putting your heart down on the page and letting it go on the world. It hurts when it’s rejected or not as good as you want it to be. But the big difference from aspiring writers to writers is courage. It takes a lot to get through this beginning stage and if you care about it enough to do what scares you then I’d say go for it.

It doesn’t matter what anyone else says about your work. all that matters is that you keep going if this is what you want.

I think this video from Ira Glass will be very beneficial for you. Good luck in all of your writing endeavors!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91FQKciKfHI

It’s helpful thank you so much. I feel depressed and lonely. I want to write about heavy feelings and emotions.

Self-doubt is really God-doubt. Once we know how much God loves us, we can never doubt ourselves – or Him- again.

That is certainly one way to look at it. Thanks for your opinion! I personally think mine goes deeper then that, but i will certainly keep your words in mind!

I stopped writing for a while because I was depressed. I felt a lot worse. I started writing again and I felt better. Writing gave me purpose. I dealt with my feelings better.

I’m so glad to hear that! That’s what writing did for me too. I honestly believed that writing saved my life. Good luck on all of your writing endevors!

Thank you for putting on paper what has been in my mind and heart for such a long time. Glad to know I’m not alone in those feelings. I’m a big Hemmingway fan too.

You are very welcome! Definitely not alone. We can battle this together! Best of luck to you!

I’ve battled depression and anxiety for years and I get so frustrated by how that black hole of despair can stop me being creative in every conceivable way. This article was inspiring though and I take solace from the fact there are others who understand exactly how this feels. Thank you.

You are so welcome Sarah! Good luck in your battles! Keep Writing! We got this!

Thanks Miriam N. I choose to keep writing rather than whining! Best wishes, Jola

Er New Phone 😛 I totally meant writing endeavors… *sigh* aw well.

Embrace the pain. We are blessed as writers to have depression. That is why we write with profundity. Ever try writing when you feel giddy with happiness? The last thing I want to do is write. Raise a glass and be grateful for everything, including the thorns: our grace and motivation.

Woo it was an emotional read, As jeff goins says the first rule is to show up.

Only one way works for me is to read a lot and then try to write.

Very interesting article. Depression and despondency very often happen with writers. You need to learn how to rule. Read something funny, what kind of articles, like this https://essayvikings.com/blog/want-to-buy-a-research-paper , communicate with friends and not shut yourself up.

I have been writing a memoir of depression and anxiety and getting onto Prozac. I have found so many indigents in my life that I feel have contributed t this feeling.

I also suffer from depression and I’ve created a vlog about my journey. https://youtu.be/WyxYq2U9oMU

I’m at a very, very low point in my life. Right now I’m writing this because I have this thought that just maybe this will help. I hate myself today. I hated myself yesterday. And I’ll hate myself tomorrow. My logic is that if I hate myself, everyone else will hate me too. It hurts inside. The deep, hard, gut-pulling ach kills me. I hate this. Needless to say, I use “hate” a lot. Everything is a blur. I can’t remember anything anymore. I’ll listen to sad and depressing music all the time. But I’ve always done that so it’s nothing new. It’s the voices that really get to me. They crumple me up and tear me apart. I’m so vulnerable to them. No one else can hear them, so I’m alone. My head’s been so dark lately. I can’t think the slightest of light. It’s hopeless. I’m hopeless. But I guess that’s okay. I’ll live like this the rest of my life. Living with this hurts like an absolute hell. All you do is stare at blank walls, eat as much or as little as you want, gain or lose the weight, sleep or don’t sleep, and cry. You fall. And some monster has a grasp on your foot so you can’t get back up. That’s alright. The flowers down here are more prettier anyway…

been there! pretty writing. p.s. this is a really good read 🙂 https://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-deal-when-you-feel-frustrated-and-hopeless/

Thank you so much! That is really going to help a lot. Thank you for sharing.

You were brave to share how you feel. Don’t give up. Keep writing. Write for yourself. Write to let the hate out and then let it go. Release it like dropping a rock into the water, where it sinks into the ocean never to be seen again. See yourself as unique and special – there never was and never will be another Breana Layne. And know that Jesus doesn’t hate you. He loves you!

Thank you. Really, thank you. I’ve been trying and trying and trying, and it’s slow progress. But it’s better than getting worse or feeling the same as I did. I love to write how I feel. It’s the only way to truly get it out. So thank you. It’s very appreciated.

Thank you for this article. I’ve read others with BS steps like “think positive” and such. But this really told it like it is. I clinically have both depression and anxiety, which has halted my story writing more than a few times. It’s frustrating, which feels like the worst part. The fact that this wall called mental illness is corralling my imagination. And I end up thinking more about the wall itself, rather than ways to get over it. But I have to try. Writing is what I want to do in life.

just write on time. thanks for sharing

I identify with all that you have said here. I’ve been there. I haven’t possessed the capacity to compose a thing of late. this was composed a while prior. I wish I could simply disregard it. Similarly http://thedailydrudgereport.com may help.

I definitely like this idea. I work as a freelance writer at http://portcomm.com.au/what-is-science-communicationNice event. Very useful information i got i visit this blog very often and i am very interested to know articles whenever this website updated. so I have got a lot of free time for events this type. The next time I`ll be surely there!

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Feature Stories

How Journaling Helps Manage Depression

For most her life, Christina Suchon has lived with depression . Through the ups and downs, one thing that's helped her is writing in a journal.

"Even if it's just total negative, garbage nonsense that I'm scribbling on a page, it helps clear my mind and figure out what is exactly bothering me," says Suchon, who lives in Tijuana, Mexico.

Many mental health experts recommend journaling because it can improve your mood and manage symptoms of depression . Studies support this and suggest journaling is good for your mental health . It may also make therapy work better.

Depression is a serious condition that needs treatment. If you think you may have it, it's important to see a doctor or mental health professional. "Journaling is not a cure-all," says licensed professional counselor Jill Howell, but there are plenty of benefits.

How Journaling Helps With Depression

There are several key ways that keeping a journal can help when you're dealing with depression.

Makes you more aware. Journaling helps you get to know yourself better.

Expressing yourself in a journal can bring your thoughts and feelings to the surface. Many people are surprised by what they write, says Denver psychotherapist Cynthia McKay. You may discover you're worried about something you didn't know was upsetting you until you wrote it down.

You can keep your journal private or share it with your therapist. They can help you see what's important and use it to help you move forward.

Lets you take control. When your thoughts and worries swirl around, putting pen to paper can cut down the chaos. "When we write things down, they feel more manageable," says clinical psychologist Perpetua Neo, PhD.

Suchon agrees. She says writing helps her get things into perspective and puts a damper on feelings of worthlessness. "It brings me back to reality."

Journaling helps you take an active role in your treatment. It empowers you to do something to help yourself feel better. It also helps you recognize when you feel worse and need extra help.

Shifts your viewpoint. Keeping a journal gives you a chance to use positive self-talk.

"I like to use gratitude journals and affirmation journals with my clients," says Charlynn Ruan, PhD, a licensed clinical therapist. Ruan says writing about happy memories is especially powerful because depression tends to bring up negative feelings. "It's like retraining your brain."

Lets you notice patterns. A journal can help you track your symptoms. If you log how you feel every day, you may spot things that trigger your depression.

For example, you may notice symptoms get worse at a certain time of day, when you're under stress , or when you're in a challenging relationship. If you know your triggers, you can avoid them in the future.

Journaling may give you insight on how you're doing over time. If you look back at older entries, you may notice trends. You'll see if you're feeling better, worse, or the same.

It can be a red flag that you need more help or reassurance that you're doing OK. "It has helped me to go and look back at past entries and realize at how far I've come in treatment," Suchon says.

Journaling Tips

Let it all out. Write about anything. Let your thoughts flow freely.

"I often tell my patients to write and rip," Howell says. "When you know that no one will ever read what you're writing, you're much less inclined to edit or worry about spelling, grammar, or bad language." The less you worry about writing, the more you benefit.

Write regularly. Try to journal on a regular basis. Every day is ideal. Aim for 20 minutes.

Look for a time and place when it's quiet and you're relaxed. You may find it's easy to write in bed, before you go to sleep. You may have fewer distractions and can look back on your whole day.

Try new things. Write letters to yourself. Write to loved ones who are no longer with you. You can even write comforting words to yourself that you think your loved ones might say to you, Howell says.

Don't get too negative. If you find yourself jotting down only negative thoughts, try to shift your writing in another direction.

It's OK to write about things that aren't positive, but put a limit on it. Don't do it longer than 20 minutes, Ruan says.

Avoid rereading your negative writing. "Maybe even make a symbolic gesture of wadding up the page and throwing it away after writing it, as a feeling of emotional cleansing," she says.

Make it easy. Set yourself up for success. Keep a pen and paper handy. Put your journal near your bed, in your bag, or in your car. Or write on your computer. phone, or tablet.

"It's taken practice to remind myself," Suchon says, "that no matter what I write, I know I feel better after I do it."

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Essays About Depression: Top 8 Examples Plus Prompts

Many people deal with mental health issues throughout their lives; if you are writing essays about depression , you can read essay examples to get started.

An occasional feeling of sadness is something that everyone experiences from time to time. Still, a persistent loss of interest, depressed mood, changes in energy levels, and sleeping problems can indicate mental illness. Thankfully, antidepressant medications, therapy, and other types of treatment can be largely helpful for people living with depression.

People suffering from depression or other mood disorders must work closely with a mental health professional to get the support they need to recover. While family members and other loved ones can help move forward after a depressive episode, it’s also important that people who have suffered from major depressive disorder work with a medical professional to get treatment for both the mental and physical problems that can accompany depression.

If you are writing an essay about depression, here are 8 essay examples to help you write an insightful essay . For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

1. My Best Friend Saved Me When I Attempted Suicide, But I Didn’t Save Her by Drusilla Moorhouse
2. How can I complain? by James Blake
3. What it’s like living with depression: A personal essay by Nadine Dirks
4. I Have Depression, and I’m Proof that You Never Know the Battle Someone is Waging Inside by Jac Gochoco
5. Essay: How I Survived Depression by Cameron Stout
6. I Can’t Get Out of My Sweat Pants: An Essay on Depression by Marisa McPeck-Stringham
7. This is what depression feels like by Courtenay Harris Bond

8. Opening Up About My Struggle with Recurring Depression by Nora Super

1. what is depression, 2. how is depression diagnosed, 3. causes of depression, 4. different types of depression, 5. who is at risk of depression, 6. can social media cause depression, 7. can anyone experience depression, the final word on essays about depression, is depression common, what are the most effective treatments for depression.

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Top 8 Examples

1. my best friend saved me when i attempted suicide, but i didn’t save her by drusilla moorhouse.

“Just three months earlier, I had been a patient in another medical facility: a mental hospital. My best friend, Denise, had killed herself on Christmas, and days after the funeral, I told my mom that I wanted to die. I couldn’t forgive myself for the role I’d played in Denise’s death: Not only did I fail to save her, but I’m fairly certain I gave her the idea.”

Moorhouse makes painstaking personal confessions throughout this essay on depression, taking the reader along on the roller coaster of ups and downs that come with suicide attempts, dealing with the death of a loved one, and the difficulty of making it through major depressive disorder.

2. How can I complain? by James Blake

“I wanted people to know how I felt, but I didn’t have the vocabulary to tell them. I have gone into a bit of detail here not to make anyone feel sorry for me but to show how a privileged, relatively rich-and-famous-enough-for-zero-pity white man could become depressed against all societal expectations and allowances. If I can be writing this, clearly it isn’t only oppression that causes depression; for me it was largely repression.”

Musician James Blake shares his experience with depression and talks about his struggles with trying to grow up while dealing with existential crises just as he began to hit the peak of his fame. Blake talks about how he experienced guilt and shame around the idea that he had it all on the outside—and so many people deal with issues that he felt were larger than his.

3. What it’s like living with depression: A personal essay by Nadine Dirks

“In my early adulthood, I started to feel withdrawn, down, unmotivated, and constantly sad. What initially seemed like an off-day turned into weeks of painful feelings that seemed they would never let up. It was difficult to enjoy life with other people my age. Depression made typical, everyday tasks—like brushing my teeth—seem monumental. It felt like an invisible chain, keeping me in bed.”

Dirks shares her experience with depression and the struggle she faced to find treatment for mental health issues as a Black woman. Dirks discusses how even though she knew something about her mental health wasn’t quite right, she still struggled to get the diagnosis she needed to move forward and receive proper medical and psychological care.

4. I Have Depression, and I’m Proof that You Never Know the Battle Someone is Waging Inside by Jac Gochoco

“A few years later, at the age of 20, my smile had fallen, and I had given up. The thought of waking up the next morning was too much for me to handle. I was no longer anxious or sad; instead, I felt numb, and that’s when things took a turn for the worse. I called my dad, who lived across the country, and for the first time in my life, I told him everything. It was too late, though. I was not calling for help. I was calling to say goodbye.”

Gochoco describes the war that so many people with depression go through—trying to put on a brave face and a positive public persona while battling demons on the inside. The Olympic weightlifting coach and yoga instructor now work to share the importance of mental health with others.

5. Essay: How I Survived Depression by Cameron Stout

“In 1993, I saw a psychiatrist who prescribed an antidepressant. Within two months, the medication slowly gained traction. As the gray sludge of sadness and apathy washed away, I emerged from a spiral of impending tragedy. I helped raise two wonderful children, built a successful securities-litigation practice, and became an accomplished cyclist. I began to take my mental wellness for granted. “

Princeton alum Cameron Stout shared his experience with depression with his fellow Tigers in Princeton’s alumni magazine, proving that even the most brilliant and successful among us can be rendered powerless by a chemical imbalance. Stout shares his experience with treatment and how working with mental health professionals helped him to come out on the other side of depression.

6. I Can’t Get Out of My Sweat Pants: An Essay on Depression by Marisa McPeck-Stringham

“Sometimes, when the depression got really bad in junior high, I would come straight home from school and change into my pajamas. My dad caught on, and he said something to me at dinner time about being in my pajamas several days in a row way before bedtime. I learned it was better not to change into my pajamas until bedtime. People who are depressed like to hide their problematic behaviors because they are so ashamed of the way they feel. I was very ashamed and yet I didn’t have the words or life experience to voice what I was going through.”

McPeck-Stringham discusses her experience with depression and an eating disorder at a young age; both brought on by struggles to adjust to major life changes. The author experienced depression again in her adult life, and thankfully, she was able to fight through the illness using tried-and-true methods until she regained her mental health.

7. This is what depression feels like by Courtenay Harris Bond

“The smallest tasks seem insurmountable: paying a cell phone bill, lining up a household repair. Sometimes just taking a shower or arranging a play date feels like more than I can manage. My children’s squabbles make me want to scratch the walls. I want to claw out of my own skin. I feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is a solitary candle about to blow out at any moment. At the same time, I feel like the pain will never end.”

Bond does an excellent job of helping readers understand just how difficult depression can be, even for people who have never been through the difficulty of mental illness. Bond states that no matter what people believe the cause to be—chemical imbalance, childhood issues, a combination of the two—depression can make it nearly impossible to function.

“Once again, I spiraled downward. I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t work. I had thoughts of harming myself. This time, my husband urged me to start ECT much sooner in the cycle, and once again, it worked. Within a matter of weeks I was back at work, pretending nothing had happened. I kept pushing myself harder to show everyone that I was “normal.” I thought I had a pattern: I would function at a high level for many years, and then my depression would be triggered by a significant event. I thought I’d be healthy for another ten years.”

Super shares her experience with electroconvulsive therapy and how her depression recurred with a major life event despite several years of solid mental health. Thankfully, Super was able to recognize her symptoms and get help sooner rather than later.

7 Writing Prompts on Essays About Depression

When writing essays on depression, it can be challenging to think of essay ideas and questions. Here are six essay topics about depression that you can use in your essay .

Depression can be difficult to define and understand. Discuss the definition of depression, and delve into the signs, symptoms, and possible causes of this mental illness. Depression can result from trauma or personal circumstances, but it can also be a health condition due to genetics. In your essay , look at how depression can be spotted and how it can affect your day-to-day life.

Depression diagnosis can be complicated; this essay topic will be interesting as you can look at the different aspects considered in a diagnosis. While a certain lab test can be conducted, depression can also be diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Research the different ways depression can be diagnosed and discuss the benefits of receiving a diagnosis in this essay .

There are many possible causes of depression; this essay discusses how depression can occur. Possible causes of depression can include trauma, grief, anxiety disorders, and some physical health conditions. Look at each cause and discuss how they can manifest as depression.

There are many different types of depression. This essay topic will investigate each type of depression and its symptoms and causes. Depression symptoms can vary in severity, depending on what is causing it. For example, depression can be linked to medical conditions such as bipolar disorder. This is a different type of depression than depression caused by grief. Discuss the details of the different types of depression and draw comparisons and similarities between them.

Certain genetic traits, socio-economic circumstances, or age can make people more prone to experiencing symptoms of depression. Depression is becoming more and more common amongst young adults and teenagers. Discuss the different groups at risk of experiencing depression and how their circumstances contribute to this risk.

Social media poses many challenges to today’s youth, such as unrealistic beauty standards , cyber-bullying, and only seeing the “highlights” of someone’s life. Can social media cause depression in teens? Delve into the negative impacts of social media when writing this essay . You could compare the positive and negative sides of social media and discuss whether social media causes mental health issues amongst young adults and teenagers.

This essay question poses the question, “can anyone experience depression?” Although those in lower-income households may be prone to experiencing depression, can the rich and famous also experience depression? This essay discusses whether the privileged and wealthy can experience their possible causes. This is a great argumentative essay topic, discuss both sides of this question and draw a conclusion with your final thoughts.

When writing about depression, it is important to study examples of essays to make a compelling essay . You can also use your own research by conducting interviews or pulling information from other sources. As this is a sensitive topic, it is important to approach it with care; you can also write about your own experiences with mental health issues.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

FAQs On Essays About Depression

According to the World Health Organization, about 5% of people under 60 live with depression. The rate is slightly higher—around 6%—for people over 60. Depression can strike at any age, and it’s important that people who are experiencing symptoms of depression receive treatment, no matter their age.

Suppose you’re living with depression or are experiencing some of the symptoms of depression. In that case, it’s important to work closely with your doctor or another healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that works for you. A combination of antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy is a good fit for many people, but this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone who suffers from depression. Be sure to check in with your doctor regularly to ensure that you’re making progress toward improving your mental health.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Write For Us

Stay Creative: How to Keep Writing through Depression

Depression is a normal part of life that can torment us at any time. From my experiences, depression is something that we are even more prone to as writers. Why? Because creative writing is very much an isolated, arduous personal venture. So much time spent in solitude, often with little reward, can be harmful to our mental health.

Here is how you can cope with depression as a writer, and hopefully have a better sense of mental wellness overall:

Writers’ Groups

When I say writers’ groups, I mean any kind of writing group: online writing groups, creative writing classes or sessions, writing support groups, and so on. The aim is to find other writers so that you feel less alone. You can find like-minded people who have walked the same (or a similar) creative path.

Just knowing that someone has been through similar things can ignite trust in the journey and keep us going through hard times. As I say, many writers will probably have their own experiences with depression (whether or not it was a result of the writing lifestyle). In a group, you can find comfort in sharing your experiences with other writers who get it.

Take Breaks

As writers, we can easily get lost in our projects, to the point where we forget to eat, drink, or sleep. We think this is justified, but it really isn’t. We need to take care of our health first and foremost, as that is the only way we can produce our best work. Mental wellness should be our priority, so taking much-needed breaks is non-negotiable.

Don’t burn out! Take breaks:

Do writing sprints: Write avidly for a set (short) amount of time, then take a break.
Wear an activity tracker. Set it to vibrate when you’ve been sitting for too long. Then when it vibrates, get up and take a short break.
Break down your workload into smaller, more manageable tasks. Take a walk (or take another kind of break) after each completed task.
Read during your breaks , especially if you need to read for your writing research. That way you’ll feel productive while taking a break from doing actual writing.

It can become easy to drop a project when you feel low. Allowing yourself set, small increments of time to write ensures that you don’t waste time by not writing, while avoiding overwhelming yourself during a difficult time.

Harness the Depression

Not everyone will agree, but I think that my writing saved me during my depression. Even though at times I believed my writing and lack of success led to the depression, I still wrote. And by continuing to write, I eventually got myself out of the depression. I think I did it by channeling those serious, scary, isolating, and dark thoughts and feelings into my art, where appropriate.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying depression is good for art. I’m not saying being low in this way is “ OK ” because at least you can write about it. But what I do believe is that depression, as a diagnosed mental illness, is long-lasting. And so, I don’t think you, as a writer who perhaps makes a living this way, can just stop writing while depressed. Instead, you can take whatever is churning inside of you and put it on paper.

You can even work through some tough emotions and beliefs by doing this. Many CBT therapists will suggest negative-thought-challenging exercises to their patients. So, writing about how you feel can only be positive. Does it need to be published afterward? No. Does it need to be shared in any form? Not unless you truly want to. This is for you .

Taking Criticism about Creative Writing

Most writers will face a mountain of criticism, rejection, and self-doubt when sharing their work with the world. It’s very hard to have your artwork, perhaps your life’s work, torn apart by strangers. However, it is unavoidable if you want to be a professional writer of any kind.

So, how do we get past this? We share our work! There’s no other way. The more you write and share your work, receiving criticism and reviews, the more comfortable you will become. It will be hard at first, but this is the only way to harden your skin .

If you are already depressed, then sharing your work will be tough. Hearing criticism whilst you’re vulnerable will feel even worse. This is why I urge you, when you feel that you are in a particularly tough time in your life, to share your work only with trusted people. This way, you’re still working and putting it out there, but with less potential for mental harm.

However, if you aren’t depressed but you feel yourself becoming low due to mounting rejection – I’ve been there – then all I can suggest is that you continue. As mentioned, the only way to become comfortable with rejection, and not take it to heart, is to keep submitting and keep your head up. You’re allowed to feel sad or angry for a time, but then take a deep breath and get back to work. Writing isn’t easy. Otherwise, everyone would do it.

Write in Multiple Locations

When suffering from depression, it can be easy to isolate yourself and remain in bed all day. You’re not alone in this; you’re not wrong in this. However, working to overcome your depression means pushing yourself. It means doing what is hard, like getting out of bed and getting dressed.

If you write from home for a living, then there may be days when you think, “ Why bother getting dressed? ” But this is not good for you. You won’t believe the effect that simply getting dressed and moving out of your bedroom can have on your mental well-being as a whole.

Don’t get into the habit of writing in the same place every day, either. It’s great that you are writing while feeling so low, but your mood will improve immensely if you can switch it up, too. Try writing in different rooms of the house. When you’re up to it – or even push yourself when you’re not up to it – try to write from your local library or coffee shop. Trust me, it’s important for your mental health.

Stay Active and Social

Everyone, not just those suffering from depression, needs to be both active and social. I’m not saying you need to be keeping busy and partying all the time, but you do need to be around people at some point every day. Writers, as we know, are often alone. It’s just us and the laptop or notebook – not counting the characters in our heads. But it is important to engage in conversations with real people, too, for our own mental health.

When depressed, we don’t always like to be around people. We can feel like a burden, or a killjoy, or just feel too irritable to want to be with people. But I can say from experience that when I’ve forced myself to be with people — the right people — it has helped me to feel better, if only briefly. It draws you out of your head for a moment and helps you to relax.

The same goes for activity. Don’t allow your job as a writer to be your excuse for not exercising or being active. Inactivity can cause depression, and it definitely worsens it. So, take breaks from your writing and go to the gym (where you can be both sociable and active!). Or you could go for a walk or to a fitness class. It will help both the depressive feelings and your writing ability.

The endorphins produced by activity will lift your mood, I promise. It’s scientifically proven!

Look after Yourself

The most important way to cope with depression as a writer is to look after yourself. Don’t put work ahead of your health. Don’t put deadlines ahead of your health. Remember, this is your life we’re talking about here. Your livelihood. If you force yourself to work when you are severely low, then you will only worsen the depression. So, please, take care of yourself first.

What to do when you’re too depressed to write:

Be open and honest with your clients, editor, agent, publisher (or whoever). Tell them how you feel and say you need some time.
If you can’t write what you’re supposed to be writing, don’t forget that you can write something else instead. Something that is less stressful and perhaps more fun at this time in your life. That way, you’re still working on your craft, but you’re giving yourself a break. Hopefully, you will be able to tackle the more pressing project afterward.
Instead of writing creatively, you could journal. Write out your thoughts and feelings to see what crops up. It may be insightful.
Also, never forget the power of speaking about how you feel with trusted people.
Have some me-time : pamper yourself, read a good book, see some friends, dance and sing. Do whatever you find fun and relaxing. The writing will still be there when you feel healthier.

Please note that this is advice from my own experiences with depression as a writer and author. If you are suffering, please speak with your doctor if you haven’t already.

Best wishes.

About the author

Siana-rose crawford.

Siana-Rose Crawford is a self-published author of three books; two dark fantasy novels and one self-help book on coping with anxiety and depression. She is also a mental health advocate and wellbeing blogger, alongside being a freelance writer.

Why Writers Feel Depressed and How to Deal

by Patty Somlo

From my experience, depression results from denying feelings, such as sadness and anger.

Writers have to walk a tightrope between hope and acceptance, success and rejection.

Every writer, no matter how well-published, good or experienced, will have work rejected or reviewed negatively.

I follow one of my former creative writing teachers on Facebook. She has published many books and won numerous awards. I was surprised one day when she posted that she had been rejected by a respected literary journal again and had decided it would be better to stop submitting there, as the journal was never going to accept her work.

Most Respected Writers Experience Rejection

This said to me that even the most respected writers experience rejection. In order to write and submit your work to journals, agents, publishers and contests, or to have your writing reviewed or try to sell books, you have to hold onto the hope that your writing is good enough, while at the same being prepared for the inevitable rejection or having the work dismissed or ignored.

It’s easy to fall prey to depression as a way to deal with the grief, or even feelings of shame, when you don’t meet with success.

Authors Protect Themselves by Numbing Their Feelings

Depression is sort of a numbing of feelings or checking out. I think authors do this sometimes as a means of self-protection from having to face the message from the world that they aren’t any good.

Writing is a solitary pursuit and depression thrives when no one else is around to refute negative self-talk. It’s so easy to become discouraged and depressed on your own.

Writing is hard and it’s difficult to be objective about the work when you are in the midst of it. Even if you have the support of a writing group, you need to spend a great deal of time alone writing before you share the work with someone else. This time is fertile ground for self-doubt, especially because good writing often requires rounds of revision.

In the meantime, there are always those voices telling you the work is bad.

Another thing is that the muse is fickle.

Some days when you sit down to write, the words flow and you feel wonderful. Other days, the opposite occurs. When that happens, a writer can’t help but wonder if this is the end and no more good work will ever emerge.

Depression and Anxiety are Substitutes for Real Emotions

The first, and most important, way that depression and anxiety are dangerous for an author is that both conditions mask feelings.

In my case, both depression and anxiety are a substitute for real emotions, including anger, fear, sadness and shame. Good writing happens when we can connect words to real feelings and that becomes more difficult when the author is depressed or anxious.

In terms of sabotaging writing and writing goals, anxiety about the work not being good enough or being rejected often contributes to writers giving up.

I once knew a writer who never finished anything. When I pressed her about this, she admitted that not finishing work kept her from having to face being rejected or having her writing negatively criticized.

Anxiety tends to make us fear and dread things that haven’t happened yet and the anxious voice can be very persuasive. If your anxiety is telling you the book you’re working on will not ever be any good or that you won’t find a publisher or an agent or an audience for it, that can make it much easier to stop writing.

Depression Separates You from Yourself and Others

I sometimes think of depression as a gray film that separates you from others and from yourself.

Depression makes it difficult to be fully connected and engaged with the world. The more a writer can be connected with the outside world and herself, the more authentic the work becomes.

How Therapy for Depression Can Help Writers Succeed

The biggest change for me [when I realized I was suffering from depression] was that I “lightened up.”

Prior to going to therapy, learning that I suffered from depression and anxiety, and working to heal, much of what I wrote was, frankly, depressing.

After healing some and making positive changes in my life, I still wrote about serious subjects but with a great deal more humor and insight.

In terms of my writing practice, the biggest change for me was being able to more easily accept criticism of my work, which helped me learn to revise. Previously, I found it difficult to make changes in my life. Having learned how to do that, I was also able to improve my writing through revision.

Even more important, I felt more confident about writing, knowing that even if a story or essay or book wasn’t where I wanted it to be at that moment, I would eventually be able to shape it the way I wanted.

Finally, healing my depression, I learned my real life story, instead of the versions I had told myself over the years. This helped me write more honestly, both in memoir writing, as well as in creating more believable characters in fiction.

Why I Wrote About Healing Depression

I knew that I wanted to write about my long search for a place I could call home, as a result of growing up in a military family that moved constantly.

Having to pick up and move at a moment’s notice when I was a child contributed to my depression and anxiety.

So, I understood that telling the story and talking about the importance of place in my life, and especially the importance of beautiful places in nature, also meant writing about healing depression.

It helped me in the sense that writing has always been an important way I have dealt with depression. Even before going to therapy and learning that my low moods were more than just temporary downturns, writing always made me feel better.

But in terms of how it helped me, depression is such a complicated web of accepted negative beliefs, past hurts that haven’t been grieved, and wounds that are easily reopened. Writing about it enabled me to dive deeper into the web and provided more clarity about myself and my life.

In my case, the depression and anxiety have also been fueled by low self-esteem and shame. Writing about aspects of myself and my life that I have felt I needed to hide helped me realize that I had nothing to be ashamed about.

Of course, that was also the difficult part. We are still not a society that accepts mental health issues as legitimate health concerns, rather than individual weakness or something to hide.

I want to be a positive force in changing those perceptions by writing about my situation. But at the same time, it is hard.

Needing to be Alone to Write, but then Getting Depressed Alone

May Sarton, the author I wrote about in the chapter of the book called “Starlight,” wrote movingly and honestly about her depression in the journals she published later in her life.

In particular, in Journal of a Solitude , she focused on the difficulties of being a woman writer and how some of this intersected with depression.

This is my absolute favorite book and the first time I read it, I completely identified with Sarton. One of the important aspects of healing depression through therapy is that you feel heard, and that whatever you are feeling is okay.

Depression, on the other hand, results from being told or assuming that your feelings of anger, sadness or shame are not acceptable, so you have to push those feelings down.

Reading Sarton, I saw another writer experiencing much of what I experienced, such as liking and needing to be alone to write, but then getting depressed alone. Somehow, this validated my feelings and the struggles I have had as a woman trying to continue writing.

What if You’re a Writer Experiencing Depression?

First, I think it’s very important to have a regular writing practice, preferably at the same time every day.

I recommend early in the morning, since other commitments can’t interfere with this time. Writing every day helps even out the ups and downs of writing. There will be bad days, of course, but when you write every day, you are bound to have many more good days.

Second, I recommend finishing work. This might require imagining a person in your head who responds to the voice that will inevitably come up telling you the piece is no good and you should abandon it.

Third, I think it’s important to have goals for the work, such as people you’re going to share it with or places you will try to publish it. Taking your work seriously that way will help push you to revise and make the work the best it can be.

It’s important to find ways to get both positive and constructive feedback about the writing, to improve it and also to reward your hard work and let you know that your efforts have paid off.

Writing is a solitary practice but sharing the work can help a writer feel that she is on the right track and provide her with feedback to make the work shine.

Depressed Writers Benefit Can Benefit from Therapy

I would, of course, recommend therapy for anyone suffering from depression and anxiety.

Especially for writers who tend to be rather solitary people, having a trained, caring person to listen and help you go deep and discover the roots of the depression and anxiety, as well as your potential for healing, can make a huge difference.

For both depression and anxiety, but especially for anxiety, meditation and mindfulness can also be really helpful. Yoga is wonderful for easing anxiety—not to mention, helping to relieve aches from sitting and writing for long periods of time.

The nice thing is that therapy and mindfulness practices will also deepen the writing. As I became more self-aware, I think I was better able to develop believable, three-dimensional characters, and my work had more emotional depth.

(Read more about Patty and her work on her previous wellness post and in her piece, “ Writing About the Pieces of Ourselves that We Leave Behind .”)

Her work has appeared in journals, including the Los Angeles Review, the Santa Clara Review, Under the Sun, Guernica, Gravel, Sheepshead Review, and WomenArts Quarterly, and numerous anthologies. She has two forthcoming books: a memoir, Even When Trapped Behind Clouds (WiDo Publishing), and Hairway to Heaven Stories (Cherry Castle Publishing).

Find more information on her and her work on her website and Amazon , or connect with her on Twitter .

From the lush tropical paradise of Hawaii to fog-shrouded San Francisco and the rugged, wind-swept Washington coast, Somlo explores the places she has lived in order to find her way back home. In this intimate work, she takes us through wrenching therapy sessions where she learns to use the breath to uncover buried anger, sadness and shame. We go along as she falls in love, overcomes a decades-long phobia of driving, and gradually discovers how to make a home. Most important, she shares with us her deep love of nature and the role it has played in helping her heal.

Often funny and deeply moving, this is both a beautifully written, lyrical, personal memoir, and an honest exploration of the challenges and possibilities for psychological healing through the places in our lives.

Available at WiDo Publishing and Amazon .

Thank you, Patty, for your insightful blog post about writers and depression. I can certainly identify with many of your points, having experienced several episodes of depression during my life. I hope to run in to you at Redwood Writers soon.

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How To Write A Strong Essay On Depression?

Table of Contents

Looking for useful information that will help you write a powerful essay on depression? You’ve come to the right place, then!

Depression is a worldwide spread disease that negatively affects how people feel, the way they think, and how they act. It is also the leading cause of disability. There are estimates that more than 300 million people are affected by depression globally, and this condition is also one of the most common mental disorders in the USA.

No wonder depression essay is a typical assignment for high school and college students. The goal of writing about this mental condition is to increase awareness among young people about mental health and help them find solutions to this problem.

In this guide, you will find all the necessary information for writing the best essays on this topic.

Depression essay: what’s the deal?

At some point in our lives, we all may experience symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, lack of pleasure from performing daily activities, etc.

For most people, these symptoms are a completely normal response to unpleasant or stressful events that they experience, for example, romantic relationships failures or financial issues.

Negative feelings are usually painful and overwhelming, but as time goes by, they become less intense and disappear.

But if these feelings persist, they may affect people’s life substantially and result in depression.

In recent decades, clinical depression has reached epidemic proportions and is widespread in the suburbs inner cities, farms, refugee camps, boardrooms, and classrooms, and women are more likely to be depressed than man.

Recent research reveals that the United States is the most depressed country in the world.

When writing an essay about this mental illness, you need to examine different aspects. For example, you may write a postpartum depression essay or explore how this mental condition affects the brain, personality, and physical health.

The choice of topics is endless, but you should follow standard writing requirements when working on your projects. Let’s discuss some important steps of writing an essay about mental disorders in detail.

Depression research paper outline: a brief how-to

Many students skip this stage in the writing process and as a result, may waste a lot of time when doing research and actually writing.

Creating a working outline for your project is an essential step that will help you stay focused and increase your overall productivity. Never skip this crucial step if you want to succeed.

Here are some tips on how you can do it right.

Choose a topic for your research and do some preliminary reading. Search for some interesting facts and try to think about new ways to address your topic. Scan some articles and look for knowledge gaps.
Take notes when you see an interesting quote and create a list of your sources. You can use them as references in your essay. Keep all the information you have gathered in one place.
Write down the objective of your essay in one sentence. Think about the outcome you want to achieve when other people read your essay.
Look through your notes and make a list of all the important points you want to make. Use brainstorming techniques and write down all ideas that pop into your head.
Review the points and create a thesis statement for depression research paper or essay.
Organize the list of points to create a structure of your essay . Put the points in a logical order. Check all aspects to make sure that each of them is relevant to your objective.
Revise all your points and try to put your outline in a standard format: numbered or bulleted list.

Depression essay introduction: how to start?

The introduction of your essay should provide some context and prepare your readers for the arguments you would present next.

Start your introduction with an attention grabber to engage your audience. It can be a provocative question, statistics, an anecdote, an interesting fact, etc.

Introduce your specific topic and provide some context to help your readers understand your paper. For example, you can define some key terms.

Finish your introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly and concisely states the central argument or the purpose of your paper.

e.g., Students who drop out of a high school before graduation are more susceptible to depression and anxiety and have a higher risk of facing mental and physical health problems later in life.

You may also briefly outline the major points of your paper to help your audience follow your argument.

Depression essay conclusion: what should be included?

The conclusion is the last chance to impress your readers so it can be the most challenging part of an essay to write.

It should give your paper a sense of completeness and answer the question, “so what?”

You need to restate your main claim and tie that claim to a larger discussion. Don’t introduce any new ideas or subtopics here.

You can conclude your paper using one of the following strategies:

Call for a specific action.
Outline next steps for other researchers.
Speak about future implications.
Compare different situations or issues.
Use a quotation.
Ask a provocative question.

The use of depression essay example

A good essay example may help you understand how your project must be written. You can find a lot of essay examples online or order a well-written example from a professional writer.

You should read it and analyze what strategies and techniques are used to convey the main ideas and make an impression on readers.

Besides, you can get a better understanding of how you can structure your paper and what transitions you can use to ensure a logical flow of ideas.

Essay on depression: what to cover?

Writing about depression in college essay can involve a lot of different topics, especially those connected with the epidemic of mental disorders in teens.

For example, you may write causes of teenage depression essay and discuss multiple factors that create chemical imbalances in the human brain which may result in mental disorders and lead to such symptoms like anger, irritability, and agitation:

Biological factors – family history of mental disorders.
Social factors – loneliness and isolation, lack of meaningful relationships with family or peers.
Behavioral factors – alcohol or drug abuse.
Psychological factors – early childhood trauma, recent stressful experiences like a death in the family.

TOP-10 depression essay topics

Effects of mood disorders on physical health.
Causes of depression among teens.
Compare depression and bipolar disorder.
Neurodegenerative effects of long-term depression.
Mental disorders and personality changes in adults.
Impact of psychological stress on mental disorders.
Teen depression and suicide.
Depression symptoms in children and adults.
Are we witnessing an epidemic of serious mood disorders?
Digital media and mental disorders in children.

Argumentative essay on depression: how to prove you’re right?

Argumentative essay on depression is a more complex task because you need to take a stance and create a convincing argument to persuade your readers and make them accept your point of view or take a specific action.

You need compelling evidence to support your claims and main points.

Consult credible online sources, for example, a website of the American Psychiatric Association, to find some facts or statistics about mental disorders or news about current research on the topic.

Review some statistics which you can use to support your argument.

According to estimates, about 15% of adults experience depressive episodes in their lifetime.
About 5% of the US population experience seasonal depression every year.
The most “depressed” countries in the world are the USA, France, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Colombia.
Japan has one of the lowest depression rates in the world, but it has one of the highest suicide rates, which is one of the leading causes of death among Japanese teens.
4.8% of men and 8.5% of women suffer from depression in the USA.
The median age of people experiencing a major depressive episode is 32.
More than 44,000 American commit suicide each year and it’s the 2nd leading cause of death for young people aged from 15 to 24.

Argumentative essay topics about depression

Is there any correlation between burnout, depression, and anxiety?
How to deal with a crisis when living with mental disorders?
Is it common to have both anxiety and depression at the same time?
Can sleep deprivation cause mental disorders?
Is there any relationship between the consumption of certain food and mental disorders?
Can food help with overcoming anxiety?
Social media obsession and mental health issues.
Why do a lot of teens struggle with mental disorders?
Can exercise treat mental health issues?
How can we tell the difference between grief and depression?

Feel free to choose any of these interesting topics and write your own depression essay.

Although mental disorders are a complicated thing to write about, you are much likely to successfully cope with this challenging task if you follow our easy guidelines.

Depressed with the task to write depression? Forget the anxiety! Order your paper within three clicks and enjoy the bright side of life!

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To Myself, When Recovery From Depression Is ‘Sink or Swim’

I have been struggling with mental illness my entire life. Just recently, I began writing and speaking out about my struggles with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well. I’ve been shouting from the mountaintops to anyone who could hear, hoping not only to help others understand but to battle the stigma attached to mental illness, as well. When I was approached by another author to write a segment for his upcoming book about depression and recovery, naturally, I jumped at the chance.

You see, when my world fell apart, I had two choices: It was either sink or swim, live or die. Though a large part of me wanted more than anything to surrender in order for the pain stop, there was this little kernel inside of me screaming to never give up, never give in. I mustered every ounce of strength I possessed and began to fight like I’ve never fought before. I began to write about all I’ve been through. I wrote like my life depended on it because in so many ways it did. By pulling my demons out into the light and exposing them, I felt I was finally able to begin to heal. I had found my voice. Writing had become my passion, my life blood.

I published a book about my life. I began blogging, as well, hoping to reach out to those struggling with depression themselves so they would know they were not alone. I found myself writing to help others understand mental illness and to speak for those without a voice. With each new piece I published, I hoped to start a dialogue and reduce the stigma. While I found some healing in trying to help others through my writing, the focus had shifted off of myself. I was no longer writing for myself; I was writing for a cause.

When a fellow author asked me to contribute something to his project, a book set to be published next year, it was enormously huge for me. He wanted me to write a letter to someone out there struggling. To let them know I understand. To give them encouragement and inspiration to hold on, be brave, be strong and continue to fight on. The idea of such a letter struck a chord with me. Everyone deserves something like that. Unfortunately, though, what you deserve and what you get are sometimes entirely different things. I could wait a lifetime and never receive such a letter from anyone else. So I decided to write one to myself.

Today, I go full circle and return to where I first began, first found my voice. I shift my focus inward and once again make myself a priority. It is so much easier to reach out to others with encouragement than to face my own nightmares. The truth, however, is I must face my own demons if I have any hope of slaying them. Once again, it is sink or swim time, live or die. While it terrifies me to look inward, I am not ready to surrender quite yet. I have too much living still to do. I deserve to matter. I deserve encouragement. I deserve hope. And so I write to myself:

I know you are scared. You’ve been through so much in life and are so tired of fighting, of struggling and of hurting, but you have to be brave and hold on. You’re so much stronger than you know. You’ve come so far in life. So many people have tried to break you, yet here you still are, still surviving, still holding on.

All your life, you’ve had people saying you were unwanted, unlovable, broken, damaged and a waste of space. You’ve let other people define you and determine your worth. You’ve bought into every cruel word they’ve spoken, believed every lie. You need to stop listening to others and begin listening to yourself. Listen with your heart.

All your life, you’ve faced abuse from others. People have laid their hands on you in anger, treating you like a punching bag instead of a person. Men and boys have touched you in ways a little girl should never be touched. Their abuses have stolen your identity, broken your will until you felt more like an object for others to use and abuse than as a person. You never deserved that.

Everyone you’ve allowed yourself to love has torn your heart out and stomped on it. You’ve begun to believe that love and pain go hand in hand, and sooner or later, everyone leaves. They’ve made you feel like you’re not enough so often that you’ve begun to believe it. You internalize their actions, always blaming yourself for never measuring up. Even when they’ve cheated, you believe somehow you’re at fault. You’re not. You never were.

You were taught young to put up walls. Never let anyone see what hurts you because it makes it that much easier for them to hurt you next time. Never let anyone in. Never be vulnerable. You are so terrified of letting yourself be hurt that you walk around numb, afraid to feel anything at all.

You’re so used to hurting inside that you’re not sure how to feel anything else. Though you paint on a smile so others don’t worry, you’re always crying inside. You’re not even sure what happiness is most days. You’re afraid of letting it in because it’s always fleeting. Happiness never seems to last. You greet it with wary suspicion because you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Though others have abused you and broken your spirit more times than you can count, you’ve picked up where they left off. You need to own that sweetie. You’re harder on yourself than anyone else has ever been. You’ve let them all convince you that you’re worthless so you treat yourself as such. You beat yourself up for everything, regardless of whether or not it was even your fault. While you’re able to accept the flaws and mistakes of others, you tear yourself down for every misstep and every defect. You never give yourself any breaks. You need to stop that. You’re slowly killing bits of yourself every bit as much as all their abuses have. Please, be kind to yourself.

In so many ways, you’ve surrendered to your depression. You’ve accepted that this is just how your life shall always be. You’ve begun thinking of it as something familiar, akin to a friend. Your depression is not your friend sweetie. It is not there to comfort you or help you. Your depression speaks in lies . It wants to beat you, to break you, to tear you into little pieces, shattering you so badly you can never recover. You need to stop being polite and welcoming it in. You need to stop accepting it as your reality, your lot in life and fight it. It only has power and control over you if you let it.

I know you’re terrified of life, of letting anyone else in and of being hurt again. You’re scared to death that you’re not strong enough. So many times you’ve cried out, “No more! No mas!” positive you could not survive anymore heartache, sure that any more abuse would kill you. It’s OK to be scared. It’s OK to be vulnerable, but never let your fear keep you from fighting.

Whenever you’re not feeling strong enough, you need to remind yourself of everything you’ve survived in life. Keep reminding yourself of your strength. You are a hurricane, a tornado, a force to be reckoned with. You’ve been battling monsters and demons for more than 40 years now, and you’re still going strong. There is not anything you cannot overcome.

I know you’re scared, too, of putting your heart out there again and that is OK. Love will come again in time. Don’t give up on it. Don’t let the actions of a few bad apples make you jaded or close off your heart. Love is a beautiful thing, and you deserve it in your life. You deserve to be loved and cherished with as much fervor as you have always given everyone else. Just make sure to learn from your mistakes next time. Never again settle.

You need to let go of all those negative labels others have used to define you because none of them are even remotely true. You are fierce. You are beautiful. You are smart. You are strong. You are a warrior. You are a survivor. You are an incredible person Beth. You have such a warm, loving heart. No matter how much other people have broken it, you always manage to reach out to help others. You have so much to give to the world, Beth, and to yourself. You are a blessing.

Stay strong. Always keep fighting. Never give up. The world needs you in it. Your children need you. You need yourself.

With all the love you deserve in this world, Beth

Image via Thinkstock.

This post originally appeared on Unlovable .

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.

I am a 46-year-old happily married mother of three. I have survived physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse, a failed previous marriage and a long engagement imploded by an ex’s repeated infidelities. I have been diagnosed with major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorder. I have many facets and have filled many roles. At different times in my life, I have been a student, a teacher, a mother, a daughter, a fiance, a wife, an artist and an author. Throughout my life, I have been both strong and courageous, weak and afraid. I may be a product of my experiences and choices, but I refuse to let them define me. After years of suffering in silence, I have found my voice. My first book, “Unlovable: A Story of Abuse and Depression from Someone Drowning in the Abyss,” is available for purchase in both paperback and e-book versions on Amazon.com and at barnesandnoble.com.

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How to Identify Your Emotions When You’re Depressed

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Many people think depression is just a deep sadness that doesn’t go away for a while. That’s not the whole story, however. Depression is more complicated than that.

That’s why many people who have depression don’t recognize it as such. And it’s why people often show disbelief when they learn someone has depression .

But just because you don’t feel sad or someone says, “But you don’t seem depressed,” doesn’t mean you aren’t. Everyone experiences and displays depression in their own way.

Individuals with depression do share some common emotional experiences, however. Learning to identify your emotions can be the first step in figuring out how to respond to them in a healthy way.

Common Emotions Experienced During Depression

While everyone’s experience with depression is a little different, some emotions during depression are fairly common symptoms :

Sadness : Depression can cause deep feelings of sadness . Feelings of sadness might involve a particular event, like the loss of a loved one or they may just be general feelings of sadness.
Guilt : Depression may make you feel guilty about almost everything. You might feel guilty you’re depressed or you may feel bad about mistakes (or perceived mistakes) you’ve made.
Irritability : You may feel irritable much of the time. You may have a lower frustration tolerance or you may just feel annoyed by almost everything going on around you.
Anxiety : You might worry about something specific (like whether you’re going to be able to fall asleep tonight) or you might just feel anxious for no particular reason.
Loneliness : You might not feel like socializing when you’re depressed but at the same time, you might feel really lonely. Loneliness can be common, even when you’re surrounded by people.
Worthlessness : You may believe that you don’t have anything to contribute to the world and you might feel as though you’re worthless to your friends and family.
Hopelessness : Depression can cause you to think that nothing will ever work or that things will never get better .

Why Identifying Your Feelings Helps

Feelings are complex. Simply putting a name to them can help your brain make more sense of what is going on.

A 2018 study found talking about feelings, writing about them, or simply picking a feeling after reviewing a list instantly reduced people’s distress. Naming feelings decreased the duration and intensity of uncomfortable emotions.

It may not be helpful to just identify what you’re feeling as depression. It may be more beneficial to identify more specific emotions that you’re going through—which are likely to shift and vary quite often.

How to Name Your Feelings

If you aren’t used to identifying your feelings, it will take some practice. But there are several things you can do to get better at figuring out how you’re feeling.

Start with a number . If you’re struggling to name your feelings, start with a number system. Rank your mood from 1 to 10 every day with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the best. After a few days of using a number system, you might feel more comfortable putting a name to the various emotions you’re experiencing.
Use a feelings chart . It’s impossible to identify how you’re feeling unless you have the language for it. Look at a feelings chart or feelings word list to help you recall a vast array of feelings ranging from disappointed to embarrassed.
Take time to reflect . Set aside some time every day to think about your emotions. You might recall how you were feeling at certain times throughout the day or you might pause every once in a while to just name how you’re feeling in the moment.
Pair it with another habit . To make naming your emotions a regular habit, pair it with another habit you already do. For example, you might name your feelings when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning and then again at night. Or, you might identify your emotions at each meal. Pairing it with a habit you already do will make it easier to remember.
Write in a journal . Writing things down can help you make more sense of your emotional state. Spend a few minutes every day sorting through your feelings on paper.
Talk about feelings in everyday conversation . You don’t have to talk about your feelings all the time but incorporating more feeling words into your everyday conversations can help you get more comfortable with identifying your emotional state.

Keep in mind that you are likely to feel more than one emotion at a time. And sometimes, those emotions might feel conflicting.

You might be both happy and sad. Or, you might feel anxious and excited. It’s normal to experience all types of emotions simultaneously. But naming your feelings can help you sort those things out a bit and help your brain make a little more sense of what’s going on.

Get Advice From the The Verywell Mind Podcast

Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how you can learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

A Word From Verywell

If you’re struggling to identify your feelings, you’re not alone. It’s tough to do—and depression makes it even more difficult to name your emotions.

A mental health professional can help you. A therapist can assist you in figuring out your complex emotional state as you cope with depression.

Torre JB, Lieberman MD. Putting Feelings Into Words: Affect Labeling as Implicit Emotion Regulation. Emotion Review . 2018;10(2):116-124. doi: 10.1177/1754073917742706

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Psychiatry & Mental Health — Depression

Essays About Depression

Depression essay topic examples.

Explore topics like the impact of stigma on depression, compare it across age groups or in literature and media, describe the emotional journey of depression, discuss how education can help, and share personal stories related to it. These essay ideas offer a broad perspective on depression, making it easier to understand and engage with this important subject.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to depression. Here are some topic examples:

1. Argue whether mental health stigma contributes to the prevalence of depression in society.
2. Analyze the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for depression, such as therapy versus medication.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Depression is a pervasive mental health issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. This essay delves into the complex relationship between mental health stigma and the prevalence of depression in society, examining the barriers to seeking help and the consequences of this stigma.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of mental health stigma's impact on depression underscores the urgent need to challenge and dismantle the stereotypes surrounding mental health. As we reflect on the far-reaching consequences of stigma, we are called to create a society that fosters empathy, understanding, and open dialogue about mental health.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the context of depression. Consider these topics:

1. Compare and contrast the symptoms and risk factors of depression in adolescents and adults.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the portrayal of depression in literature and its depiction in modern media.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: Depression manifests differently in various age groups and mediums of expression. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the symptoms and risk factors of depression in adolescents and adults, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by each demographic.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of depression in adolescents and adults highlight the importance of tailored interventions and support systems. As we contemplate the distinct challenges faced by these age groups, we are reminded of the need for age-appropriate mental health resources and strategies.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict aspects of depression, whether it's the experience of the individual or the societal impact. Here are some topic ideas:

1. Describe the emotional rollercoaster of living with depression, highlighting the highs and lows of the experience.
2. Paint a detailed portrait of the consequences of untreated depression on an individual's personal and professional life.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: Depression is a complex emotional journey that defies easy characterization. This essay embarks on a descriptive exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that individuals with depression experience, delving into the profound impact it has on their daily lives.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster of depression underscores the need for empathy and support for those grappling with this condition. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassionate understanding.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to depression. Consider these persuasive topics:

1. Persuade your readers that incorporating mental health education into the school curriculum can reduce the prevalence of depression among students.
2. Argue for or against the idea that employers should prioritize the mental well-being of their employees to combat workplace depression.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The prevalence of depression underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address mental health. This persuasive essay asserts that integrating mental health education into the school curriculum can significantly reduce the prevalence of depression among students, offering them the tools to navigate emotional challenges.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument for mental health education in schools highlights the potential for early intervention and prevention. As we consider the well-being of future generations, we are called to prioritize mental health education as an essential component of a holistic education system.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to depression. Explore these narrative essay topics:

1. Narrate a personal experience of overcoming depression or supporting a loved one through their journey.
2. Imagine yourself in a fictional scenario where you advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization on a global scale.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: Personal experiences with depression can be transformative and enlightening. This narrative essay delves into a personal journey of overcoming depression, highlighting the challenges faced, the support received, and the lessons learned along the way.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal journey through depression reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion and understanding. As we reflect on our own experiences, we are encouraged to share our stories and contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health.

A Narrative About Depression: Navigating The Abyss

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Depression: Understanding The Silent Epidemic

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Overview of Biological Predispositions and Risk Factors Associated with Depression

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The Issue of Depression: Mental Battle

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Depression, known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a psychological condition characterized by enduring feelings of sadness and a significant loss of interest in activities. It is a mood disorder that affects a person's emotional state, thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Its origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where melancholia was described as a state of sadness and melancholy. In the 19th century, depression began to be studied more systematically, and terms such as "melancholic depression" and "nervous breakdown" emerged. The understanding and classification of depression have evolved over time. In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts explored the role of unconscious conflicts in the development of depression. In the mid-20th century, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was established, providing a standardized criteria for diagnosing depressive disorders.

Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a role in depression, as individuals with a family history of the disorder are at a higher risk. Psychological Factors: These may include a history of trauma or abuse, low self-esteem, pessimistic thinking patterns, and a tendency to ruminate on negative thoughts. Environmental Factors: Adverse life events, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or chronic stress, can increase the risk of depression. Additionally, living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area or lacking access to social support can be contributing factors. Health-related Factors: Chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain, are associated with a higher risk of depression. Substance abuse and certain medications can also increase vulnerability to depression. Developmental Factors: Certain life stages, including adolescence and the postpartum period, bring about unique challenges and changes that can contribute to the development of depression.

Depression is characterized by a range of symptoms that affect an individual's emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. These characteristics can vary in intensity and duration but generally include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. One prominent characteristic of depression is a noticeable change in mood, which can manifest as a constant feeling of sadness or emptiness. Individuals may also experience a significant decrease or increase in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness, are common as well. Depression can impact cognitive functioning, causing difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and memory recall. Negative thoughts, self-criticism, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness are also common cognitive symptoms. Furthermore, physical symptoms may arise, including fatigue, low energy levels, and a general lack of motivation. Physical aches and pains, without an apparent medical cause, may also be present.

The treatment of depression typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. It is important to note that the most effective treatment may vary for each individual, and a personalized approach is often necessary. One common form of treatment is psychotherapy, which involves talking to a mental health professional to explore and address the underlying causes and triggers of depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage depressive symptoms. Antidepressant medications work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with mood regulation. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage that suits an individual's needs. Additionally, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing depression. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction techniques can all contribute to improving mood and overall well-being. In severe cases of depression, when other treatments have not been effective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. ECT involves administering controlled electric currents to the brain to induce a brief seizure, which can have a positive impact on depressive symptoms.

1. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, making it one of the leading causes of disability globally. 2. Depression can affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents. In fact, the prevalence of depression in young people is increasing, with an estimated 3.3 million adolescents in the United States experiencing at least one major depressive episode in a year. 3. Research has shown that there is a strong link between depression and other physical health conditions. People with depression are more likely to experience chronic pain, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders, among other medical conditions.

The topic of depression holds immense significance and should be explored through essays due to its widespread impact on individuals and society as a whole. Understanding and raising awareness about depression is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, depression affects a significant portion of the global population, making it a pressing public health issue. Exploring its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can contribute to better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Additionally, writing an essay about depression can help combat the stigma surrounding mental health. By promoting open discussions and providing accurate information, essays can challenge misconceptions and foster empathy and support for those experiencing depression. Furthermore, studying depression allows for a deeper examination of its complex nature, including its psychological, biological, and sociocultural factors. Lastly, essays on depression can highlight the importance of early detection and intervention, promoting timely help-seeking behaviors and reducing the burden of the condition on individuals and healthcare systems. By shedding light on this critical topic, essays have the potential to educate, inspire action, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and society.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. World Health Organization. 3. Kessler, R. C., Bromet, E. J., & Quinlan, J. (2013). The burden of mental disorders: Global perspectives from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. Cambridge University Press. 4. Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press. 5. Nierenberg, A. A., & DeCecco, L. M. (2001). Definitions and diagnosis of depression. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(Suppl 22), 5-9. 6. Greenberg, P. E., Fournier, A. A., Sisitsky, T., Pike, C. T., & Kessler, R. C. (2015). The economic burden of adults with major depressive disorder in the United States (2005 and 2010). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(2), 155-162. 7. Cuijpers, P., Berking, M., Andersson, G., Quigley, L., Kleiboer, A., & Dobson, K. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(7), 376-385. 8. Hirschfeld, R. M. A. (2014). The comorbidity of major depression and anxiety disorders: Recognition and management in primary care. Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 16(2), PCC.13r01611. 9. Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., Nierenberg, A. A., Stewart, J. W., Warden, D., ... & Fava, M. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905-1917. 10. Kendler, K. S., Kessler, R. C., Walters, E. E., MacLean, C., Neale, M. C., Heath, A. C., & Eaves, L. J. (1995). Stressful life events, genetic liability, and onset of an episode of major depression in women. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(6), 833-842.

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Addressing Depression in Your Personal Statement

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Did you know 20% of teenagers experience depression before reaching adulthood? It is also during this time that college applicants have to answer the most intimate question in order to gain acceptance at their dream school. What defines you?

While it may feel extremely vulnerable to talk about your experience with depression, don’t let that immediately deter you from choosing it as your personal statement essay topic. Here are 5 examples that may help you approach the topic in an essay:

UC Irvine ‘17

Throughout the past few years, I have gone through depression. The inability to focus not only in school, but also in life, is something I have struggled to overcome. The majority of the time, I am able to successfully distinguish my emotions from my academics because of my overly organized tendencies. At other times, the feelings that come with depression are inevitable. Depression, for me, is hopelessness. My biggest struggle with depression is not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel; therefore, this way of thinking has caused me to feel unmotivated, alone, and frightened. Because of this, I have spent endless nights contemplating my life till 4 or 5 in the morning, I have no motivation to wake up in the mornings, and I feel pain and grief on a daily basis. Keep reading.

Brittanybea

Uc berkeley ‘19.

On a warm August morning I sat shivering and shaking in the waiting room to my doctor’s office. I had my mother make the appointment but didn’t give her the reason; I’m not even sure I really knew the reason. I just knew something was wrong. The past five years had been all uphill - outwardly, at least. I was doing increasingly well in school, growing more independent, and had greater opportunities at my feet. Inwardly, however, was an entirely different story. Those five years felt like an upbeat movie I was watching while in my own personal prison. I was happy for the characters, even excited for their accomplishments. The problem was that my outward self was a character entirely distinct from the internal me. View full essay.

869749923096609FB

Williams college ‘19.

Perhaps the greatest blessing my parents have ever granted me was the move from our apartment in the Bronx to a two-family home in Queens, two blocks away from a public library. The library had all the boons my young heart could desire: bounties of books, air conditioning in the summer, and sweet solace from a dwelling teeming with the cries of an infant sister, a concept I couldn’t yet fathom. Read more.

When I was younger, people chided me for being pessimistic. It was my sincere belief that there were no rewards to be reaped from a life here on earth. I was bored, unhappy, and apathetic. War, injustice, environmental collapse, the mean thing X said to me the other day-it all made me see the world as a tumultuous and unpleasant place. Continue reading.

879216135461584FB

Dish soap, pepper, a toothpick, and an empty pie tin. The first materials I ever used to perform a simple experiment in grade school. Looking back that would be the moment I fell in love with science. I can still feel the excitement I felt as I watched as the pepper dart off to the edges of the pie tin as I touched the water with the end of a soap coated toothpick. Though I didn’t have to question how or why the reaction happened, I never stopped wondering. It was then that a passion for science ignited in me. It was a fire in my soul that could never die out. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. As I grew older, the fire within me began to dim and in the year 2012, it became extinguished; the world as I knew it had ended. View full profile.

While this essay topic helped these students gain acceptances to UC Irvine , UC Berkeley , Williams , Vassar and NYU , it doesn’t mean it will work in the exact same way for you. Brainstorm and think carefully about what you want to write in your personal statement and how you want to share your own, unique story. For more inspiration, AdmitSee has a database of 60,000+ successful college applications files waiting for you!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Discussions about the writing craft.

Writing and depression

So, I haven't written a word in about six months and I've recently found out that the reason I have been feeling down this pass year is because I have depression. I want to get back into writing so badly, but everything I have tried to write comes out horrible. Plus I've got no ideas. How do you guys force yourself to write when you have depression?

COMMENTS

Four Tips for Writing When You're Depressed
Take breaks. Forgive yourself when nothing gets done. Rest in the knowledge that there will be good days among the bad, that your stories matter, and that you are so very loved. So, keep on fighting. It's important to note that employing these four tips isn't some sort of magic spell.
7 Ways To Help You Write When You Feel Depressed
You could try this process of inquiry for sticky beliefs. Write encouragements to yourself. Be gentle on yourself, and don't take on more than you can manage. Remind yourself the depression will pass and you will be stronger afterwards for having carried on writing and taking care of yourself. Further reading.
Writers and Depression: How to Keep Writing Through the Darkness
The only way to fight it is to do what it says you can't —a task so heavy and so great that it is almost bitter sweet. Sure, you could write something and banish doubt for a time, but it's bound to return when you look at it again. When you start to see the imperfections. The only way to fight it is to keep going.
How to Manage Depression by Writing in a Journal
Avoid rereading your negative writing. "Maybe even make a symbolic gesture of wadding up the page and throwing it away after writing it, as a feeling of emotional cleansing," she says. Make it ...
When You're Too Depressed to Write
But for the time being, I'd lost my words. When words are your comfort, passion and lifeblood, their refusal to play feels like an abandonment. As a writer, you feel invisible. Powerless. Voiceless. Unnecessary. We were turning in two or three papers a week, so my writing for school was by no means rusty.
Seven Tips for Writers Living With Depression
Tip #1: Don't get bogged down by organization… yet. It's nice to have an outline to refer to when you write. It can help you with foreshadowing, flow — all the things that make for a well-developed story. But for writers with depression, outlines can hold us back.
How To Write When You're Depressed
It is okay if you can't write every day or even every week. It is okay to write in cycles. It is okay to take breaks. You do not need to NaNoWriMo your way to a novel you're proud of; you deserve the gift of writing slow. You are the roots of your story tree, so the more you honor your body, the better your book will be. You are not alone.
Essays About Depression: Top 8 Examples Plus Prompts
Many people deal with mental health issues throughout their lives; if you are writing essays about depression, you can read essay examples to get started.. An occasional feeling of sadness is something that everyone experiences from time to time. Still, a persistent loss of interest, depressed mood, changes in energy levels, and sleeping problems can indicate mental illness.
Stay Creative: How to Keep Writing through Depression
Don't burn out! Take breaks: Do writing sprints: Write avidly for a set (short) amount of time, then take a break. Wear an activity tracker. Set it to vibrate when you've been sitting for too long. Then when it vibrates, get up and take a short break. Break down your workload into smaller, more manageable tasks.
How to Write Depression
There are different kinds. This is imperative to remember before we begin. Different types of depression can manifest differently and be triggered by different things. Some examples are: Reactive depression. Clinical depression. Bipolar disorder (used to be known as manic depression) Major depressive disorder. SADs.
How to Keep Writing When You're Worried, Upset, Angry, Depressed, or
Like a plumber or an electrician. These folks work when they're sick, hurt, hot, cold, mad, happy, or sad. Just because you're having a bad day doesn't give you permission to flake on your work. When you're a writer you're the boss. When you're the boss you tell your employee they're slacking. You also happen to be the employee.
Why Writers Feel Depressed and How to Deal
From my experience, depression results from denying feelings, such as sadness and anger. Writers have to walk a tightrope between hope and acceptance, success and rejection. Every writer, no matter how well-published, good or experienced, will have work rejected or reviewed negatively. I follow one of my former creative writing teachers on ...
How To Write A Strong Essay On Depression?
Use brainstorming techniques and write down all ideas that pop into your head. Review the points and create a thesis statement for depression research paper or essay. Organize the list of points to create a structure of your essay. Put the points in a logical order. Check all aspects to make sure that each of them is relevant to your objective.
To Myself, When Recovery From Depression Is 'Sink or Swim'
It is not there to comfort you or help you. Your depression speaks in lies. It wants to beat you, to break you, to tear you into little pieces, shattering you so badly you can never recover. You need to stop being polite and welcoming it in. You need to stop accepting it as your reality, your lot in life and fight it.
Writing my way through anxiety and depression
Writing my way through anxiety and depression. Paul explains how putting pen to paper has enabled him to address his anxiety and depression. Paul, who has anxiety and depression, writes a mental health blog and is the author of the novel Rotten Apples. Three years ago I suffered a mental breakdown due to work related stress.
Writing A Letter About Your Depression
Just like with any letter, you could begin with an introduction. This sets the stage so your loved one knows the letter's intent while also grabbing their attention. Some ideas on how best to ...
How to Identify Your Emotions When You're Depressed
If you're struggling to name your feelings, start with a number system. Rank your mood from 1 to 10 every day with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the best. After a few days of using a number system, you might feel more comfortable putting a name to the various emotions you're experiencing. Use a feelings chart. It's impossible to ...
Depression Essay Examples with Introduction Body and Conclusion
Essay grade: Good. 2 pages / 978 words. Depression is a disease that afflicts the human psyche in such a way that the afflicted tends to act and react abnormally toward others and themselves. Therefore it comes to no surprise to discover that adolescent depression is strongly linked to teen suicide.
Addressing Depression in Your Personal Statement
At other times, the feelings that come with depression are inevitable. Depression, for me, is hopelessness. My biggest struggle with depression is not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel; therefore, this way of thinking has caused me to feel unmotivated, alone, and frightened. Because of this, I have spent endless nights ...
Writing and depression : r/writing
What I do is write my depression. When depressed, all the thoughts are harsh and saddening and real. A lot of lines or phrases or ideas came from writing and putting how I feel into words. Even if what you write is utter shit, at least you're writing. Don't think, don't criticize, don't try to be good, just write.