
In recent years, issues to do with mental health have got more and more coverage in the media. Stigma surrounding mental illness has begun to break down, and diverse people are joining in the conversation.
Celebrities and high profile figures as diverse as Prince Harry and Stephen Fry have openly discussed their battles with various mental health afflictions, in a bid to help others that are suffering.
A mental health issue that's not always well understood, even today, however, is depression. The common consensus is that depression saps people's energy, and makes them feel sad, but what about the more nuanced manifestations of the illness?
According to NHS online, other less known symptoms can include hopelessness, low self-esteem, anxiety, loss of motivation, and even suicidal thoughts.
However, one depression sufferer, and Twitter user, has used the social media platform to highlight another of the disease's lesser-known symptoms.
One of these is, as she calls it, 'The Impossible Task'.
Author M. Molly Backes explained what it's like in a viral string of tweets.
Depression commercials always talk about sadness but they never mention that sneaky symptom that everyone with depr… https://t.co/MEsopMfIwH— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535416999
It could be anything, no matter how mundane the task sounds.
The Impossible Task could be anything: going to the bank, refilling a prescription, making your bed, checking your… https://t.co/kLs0N8RQno— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535417247
And it doesn't have to be something difficult.
The Impossible Task is rarely actually difficult. It’s something you’ve done a thousand times. For this reason, it’… https://t.co/o96hy5dDx7— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535417406
It probably manifests itself in a self sabotaging interior monologue, too.
If you’re grappling with an Impossible Task, you already have these conversations happening in your brain. Plus, th… https://t.co/MflB5aN1Sg— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535417533
It can also shift. Sometimes it's the dishes that are an issue, other times it's answering an email.
Another cool thing about the Impossible Task is that it changes on you. One time it might involve calling someone,… https://t.co/E0yWFNIFoI— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535417750
She also offered advice to those suffering from the 'impossible task', on how to deal with it. Quite simply, be kind to yourself.
If you currently have one or more Impossible Tasks in your life, be gentle with yourself. You’re not a screw up; de… https://t.co/W6sbBiH4QU— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535417925
Be kind to others that have depression, too. No matter how small the gesture, it could mean the world to the person on the receiving end.
If you have a depressed person in your life, ask them what their Impossible Tasks are & figure out ways to help—wit… https://t.co/tAXsWLj5Fw— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535418194
Finally, if you have suffered from an 'Impossible Task', try to see the positives. It teaches you depths of empathy you wouldn't otherwise have access to.
The one good thing about struggling with Impossible Tasks is that they help you to be gentler & more empathetic wit… https://t.co/rkrvTZwUTs— M. Molly Backes (@M. Molly Backes) 1535418630
Many other social media users responded with messages of support and empathy.
@mollybackes I would like to thank you for giving a voice to the complexity of emotional states that depression has… https://t.co/Nb8TRRVYfd— Joanne Mason (@Joanne Mason) 1535513154
@mollybackes Thank you for this whole thread. It's so much what I've been struggling with.— Karen Steiger (@Karen Steiger) 1535549547
@mollybackes @gothfruits Mine is anything that requires a phone call, even really important things like booking the… https://t.co/ml96AtSSaS— that girl from new zealand (@that girl from new zealand) 1535584893
@mollybackes Thank you. Thank you so so so much. Lately it’s been just resetting a password to upload therapy recei… https://t.co/sFXP72HMDs— BekkaBlaringBlackLivesMatter (@BekkaBlaringBlackLivesMatter) 1535591887
HT Someecards
More: People with depression use language differently – here's how to spot it
More: This story about depression is the most important thing you’ll read today