Fake Depression is worse than Actual Depression

Fake depression is a reality. It is a misinterpretation of people knowingly or unknowingly present which undermines the actual depression faced by others. Some people try to show them as weak and depressed just to get sympathy and excuses for their responsibilities. The habit of giving excuses to surpass responsibilities or duties becomes a habit, and people get addicted to using the same old reason to justify their fake mental state.

People receive privilege, care, and attention when diagnosed with any physical and mental health issues. However, physical health issues are only valid through visible symptoms or pathological tests. In taking mental health issues, such as depression, people often draw the attention they crave. Instead of looking for treatment or overcoming the situation, they play the same act again and again. Furthermore, the concept of victimhood provides compensation to the individual for their perceived suffering rather than striving for personal growth.

For a person who is using depression as an excuse, it is very necessary to understand that such reasons won't last long. Being independent and cultivating strength is mandatory to survive a better life. Realizing that depression is a mockery to people who are dealing with such issues. Shifting the mentality from victimhood to empowerment would provide appropriate support to those in need.

What actual depression is?

Before identifying fake depression, it is crucial to understand what an actual Depression looks like. Depression is a mental health condition where a person deals with continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and willingness to do activities he likes. These feelings are not temporary or run away within hours, but they are persistent, limiting the productivity of the person. Depression can give symptoms like irregular sleep patterns, loss of appetite, binge eating, loss of energy level, and difficulty in concentration. Depression can take a drastic twist in a person's life, leading to isolation, severe burnout, or even suicidal thoughts.

Why do people fake depression?

1. The Victim Mentality

One common reason people fake depression is to adopt a victim mentality. People who have gained ignorance in childhood and have low self-esteem often try to justify their incapabilities in terms of being victims. Some people like other's sympathy and help over pity. This gives them satisfaction and relief for not being able to perform as per their capabilities. Many post sad stories on social media not because they're feeling it but because they need others to ask them what happened. By positioning themselves as victims, they feel validated and appreciated, even if their struggles aren't as severe as they claim.

2. Seeking Attention and Narcissistic Behaviour

Some individuals use faking depression as a way to attract attention. In this case, their behavior can often reflect narcissistic tendencies. People who only think about themselves and how others can make them happy try to fake depression to get attention and care. They may act dramatically, cry in gatherings, or often showcase their isolation to be in the spotlight. For example, during a group discussion about mental health, a person might suddenly break down in tears, claiming they are deeply affected by a recent event. This need for attention can stem from an underlying insecurity that drives them to seek validation from others.

3. Manipulation for Personal Gain

Faking depression can also serve as a manipulative tactic to obtain certain rewards. People who are aware of others’ kindness and know that they can be easily manipulated try to present themselves in grief and depression to get the work done. It is very common in students when a child doesn't complete the homework and justifies to the teacher that he has been depressed.

4. Avoiding Responsibilities

In some cases, individuals fake depression to avoid daily responsibilities. The weight of depression can serve as a convenient excuse for not fulfilling obligations. For instance, someone might claim they are too depressed to attend a family gathering or complete household chores. This behavior can allow them to escape tasks they find overwhelming or simply don’t want to do.

Fake Depression: A Possible Sign of Another Mental Health Issue

People often faked depression by their own will and under their consciousness. The habit of taking depression can turn into some other mental health issue, which can be drastic in the long term. Factitious disorder or somatic symptoms disorders are some conditions where a person intentionally deceives others to be ill. This could get to an extent where the person himself would fall into the trap of considering themselves as ill. They may genuinely feel the weight of their symptoms, even if they are not based on reality.

How Fake Depression is worse than Actual Depression?

• Increases Isolation: Individuals who fake depression have to pretend at every moment that they're depressed. This makes them choose isolation from others. Seeing people enjoying gatherings and being alone in their rooms can be daunting.

• Delays Real Help: Those pretending to suffer from depression may prevent themselves from seeking genuine help as then they would have to pretend to be normal. This causes underlying issues and emotional distress.

• Manipulates Relationships: Fake depression can strain relationships as friends and family become confused about what is real. They often mistrust the person even when he has actual issues. This leads to frustration and distance among loved ones.

• Affects Professional Life: Employers may become wary of mental health claims due to the prevalence of faking, potentially affecting support for employees who genuinely need assistance.

• Encourages Negative Attention-Seeking: People become overly dependent upon others to gain sympathy and attention. They disturb the whole energy of the place, hoping that everyone will calm them at every moment. This dependency also leads them to act weirdly.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the reasons behind faking depression are complex and multifaceted. Whether driven by a need for attention, manipulation for personal gain, or underlying mental health issues, these behaviors reflect a deep-seated desire for understanding and connection. By recognizing these motivations, we can better empathize with those who struggle with genuine mental health challenges while also addressing the behaviors of those who may be misrepresenting their struggles.