Powerful Video Shows That Depression Is Often Invisible

Powerful Video Shows That Depression Is Often Invisible

If you think that people with depression are unable to get out of bed in the morning or walk around with a sad face, you're mistaken.

A powerful video, created by Buzzfeed, is challenging our often misguided preconceptions about mental health.

The video follows one man over a period of few days. Every day he wakes up, goes to work, sits at his desk, eats lunch and so on and so forth. This carries on day-in, day-out.

But while viewers are fixed on spotting "signs of depression" of the main character, we overlook another person in the video: Ricky.

Every morning, Ricky greets the main character in the office kitchen. He sits behind him in the office and stands with him in the lift. He largely goes unnoticed, until we learn that Ricky has taken his own life.

Then, you think back, Ricky is always there but in the background, also going about his daily life, his depression undetected until he decides to end his life. Then, and only then, we take notice of Ricky.

The moral of the video? Depression is often invisible, so look out for those around you - colleagues, friends and family.

Useful websites and helplines:

  • Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
  • Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
  • Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk
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