#Whatyoudontsee: The hashtag that’s revealing what living with depression is really like
One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem within the year
One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem within the year.
However, unlike physical illnesses, which have visible symptoms, many people find their mental health difficult to talk about, and as such, those with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems suffer in silence, feeling increasingly isolated and alone in their struggle.
#Whatyoudontsee is the hashtag that's aiming to change all of this. These four words have inspired thousands of people living with various condition to take to social media and share their experience of mental illness, from feelings of shame and stigma to the complete and utter exhaustion of coping.
The tweets on this timeline not only let everyone else out there going through the same thing know that they're not the only one - they help those who haven't experienced the conditions understand just how tough it is, and the response has been phenomenal.
Some have spoken about about the difficulties with daily tasks like going to work...
... while others have shared their experience with the side effects of medication:
Many people tweeted stories about lesser known symptoms of mental illness, like 'laziness' and lack of productivity.
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Isolation was also a common theme in the tweets being shared...
... and the stigma surrounding depression has been addressed many times:
While lack of positivity was an issue that was discussed repeatedly...
... some have simply used the hashtag to promote kindness and understanding within the community. One user wrote, '#WhatYouDontSee is that people suffer in silence everyday. Be kind, you dont know other peoples battles. Don't assume that you do.'
'I don't think there's ever been a more beautiful, raw, honest, brave or inspiring hashtag than #WhatYouDontSee,' another added. '😘 to every single one'.
If you're experiencing depression or any other kind of mental illness, there is support available. Visit mind.org.uk for further help and information.
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