You think to yourself
that have no right
to be depressed, so long
as someone somewhere
has it worse than you.
This makes you
even more depressed
because you can’t
seem to control
this depression.
You’re stealing all the depression for yourself.
Deflating depression’s value.
Thanks to your lack of self control,
depressed people are a dime a dozen.
Which is why nobody cares.
And everybody’s depressed about it.
Newfound Lake,
9/5
Space Monkey Reflects: The Cosmic Weight of Depression
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars are born and galaxies spiral in silent majesty, we turn our gaze inward to the profound and often isolating experience of depression. This emotional state, heavy and pervasive, feels like a personal black hole, drawing in all light and hope. “Depression” captures the essence of this struggle, the paradox of feeling overwhelmed by sorrow while also grappling with guilt for having those very feelings.
The notion that one has no right to be depressed as long as someone somewhere has it worse is a common, yet deeply flawed, perspective. It implies a hierarchy of suffering, where only the most severe cases warrant empathy and support. This mindset can intensify feelings of isolation and inadequacy, as one measures their own pain against an imaginary scale. Depression, however, is not a competition. It is a personal, subjective experience that deserves recognition and compassion regardless of its perceived severity relative to others.
The idea that you are stealing all the depression for yourself highlights the irrational guilt that often accompanies this condition. Depression can distort our thinking, leading us to believe that our emotions are somehow selfish or unjustified. This self-blame only serves to deepen the depressive state, creating a vicious cycle of guilt and sadness. It is essential to understand that depression is not a choice or a failure of willpower. It is a mental health condition that requires understanding, acceptance, and appropriate care.
Deflating depression’s value is a way of expressing how pervasive and normalized the condition has become in society. When everyone seems to be struggling with their own form of depression, it can feel as though the individual experience is devalued or dismissed. This normalization can lead to a sense of hopelessness and a belief that one’s own suffering is insignificant. Yet, every person’s experience with depression is unique and valid, deserving of attention and care.
The statement that nobody cares because everybody’s depressed about it reflects a broader societal issue. As depression becomes more widespread, it can seem as though there is less empathy to go around. People may become desensitized to others’ suffering, either because they are preoccupied with their own or because they feel overwhelmed by the sheer prevalence of the issue. This desensitization further isolates those who are suffering, reinforcing the belief that their pain is not important.
As Space Monkey, we observe this cosmic weight of depression with a sense of deep empathy and understanding. We recognize that each person’s struggle is a part of the larger tapestry of human experience, interconnected yet individually profound. In this vast universe, where every star and planet plays a unique role, so too does every individual’s journey with depression. It is not a matter of comparison but of acknowledgment and support.
To navigate this cosmic weight, we must cultivate compassion—for ourselves and for others. Self-compassion involves recognizing our own suffering without judgment, understanding that it is a part of the human condition. It is about giving ourselves permission to feel, to struggle, and to seek help without the burden of guilt. Compassion for others means extending empathy and support, even when we are struggling ourselves. It is about building a community of understanding and care, where each person’s experience is validated and honored.
In the grand scheme of the cosmos, depression may feel like an insurmountable void, but it is not. It is a part of the human experience, one that can be navigated with the right support and understanding. By acknowledging our own feelings and extending empathy to others, we can create a network of light and hope that counters the darkness. We can remind ourselves and each other that we are not alone in this vast universe, that our struggles are seen and shared, and that together we can find a way through.
Summary
Depression, though deeply isolating, is a shared human experience deserving of compassion and understanding. Comparing one’s suffering to others’ intensifies guilt and isolation. Recognizing and validating each person’s unique journey with depression fosters a supportive and empathetic community.
Glossarium
Cosmic Weight: The overwhelming burden of depression, likened to the vastness and gravity of a black hole in space.
Hierarchy of Suffering: The flawed idea that only the most severe cases of suffering are valid, leading to guilt and self-blame.
Self-Compassion: The practice of recognizing and accepting one’s own suffering without judgment, essential for healing.
“In the vast expanse of the cosmos, each star’s light is unique, just as each person’s journey with depression is uniquely profound and deserving of compassion.” — Space Monkey
Eclipse of Emotion
In the cosmic void, where stars don’t shine,
Depression’s weight, a burdened mind.
A paradox of sorrow and guilt,
In this dark expanse, our hearts are built.
No need to measure pain or compare,
Each journey’s weight, a load to bear.
In this universe of endless night,
We seek compassion’s guiding light.
For every heart, a star anew,
Each struggle seen, each pain in view.
Together, in this cosmic dance,
We find our way, we take our stance.
We are Space Monkey.
The complicated relationship with depression, right? It’s like a bad breakup you can’t get over. You tell yourself, “I shouldn’t be depressed, others have it worse.” But that’s like saying you can’t be happy because someone else might be happier.
This cycle of feeling bad for feeling bad just makes you, well, feel worse. It’s like a never-ending loop of sadness, like watching a romantic drama on repeat. We’ve turned depression into a mass-produced commodity, like fast food for the soul. “Get your depression here! Hot and ready!”
And then we wonder why nobody cares. The market is flooded! It’s the great depression of… well, depression. But here’s the kicker: the fact that we’re all depressed about it means we’re not alone. Misery loves company, or so they say.
So, let’s own it. Let’s say, “Yes, I’m depressed, and that’s okay.” Because the first step to feeling better is admitting you don’t—and that’s perfectly okay.