Wellness
Woman Talks About "The Impossible Task"
This is something the commercials for depression medications never talk about.
Cedric Jackson
09.12.18

Anyone who suffers from depression knows all the usual symptoms.

Of course, not everyone has the same symptoms, but for most people, they are changing constantly. Even if you don’t have depression, you might think you are familiar with the symptoms based on the depression medicine commercials on television or the symptoms someone you know exhibits.

Molly Backes
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Molly Backes

One woman wants everyone to know that there is another symptom that the commercials don’t show and people who suffer from depression don’t talk about. She calls it the Impossible Task.

Molly Backes
Source:
Molly Backes

She shared her story on Twitter.

She posted:

“Depression commercials always talk about sadness, but they never mention that sneaky symptom that everyone with depression knows all too well: the Impossible Task. The Impossible Task could be anything: going to the bank, refilling a prescription, making your bed, checking your email, paying a bill. From the outside, its sudden impossibility makes ZERO sense. The Impossible Task is rarely actually difficult. It’s something you’ve done a thousand times. For this reason, it’s hard for outsiders to have sympathy. ‘Why don’t you just do it & get it over with?’ ‘It would take you like 20 minutes & then it would be done.’ OH, WE KNOW.”

She went on to tell everyone that it’s not something to be embarrassed about, and they are not alone.

Alternative Healthcare Center
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Alternative Healthcare Center

It’s something most people experience while struggling with depression.

She added:

“If you’re grappling with an Impossible Task, you already have these conversations happening in your brain. Plus, there’s probably an even more helpful voice in your brain reminding you of what a screw up you are for not being able to do this seemingly very simple thing. Another cool thing about the Impossible Task is that it changes on you. One time it might involve calling someone, but maybe you can work around it by email. Another time it’s an email issue. Then when you think you have it pinned down, you suddenly can’t do the dishes.”

Huffington Post
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Huffington Post

She also pointed out the importance of talking to friends and family members, so they can be supportive.

Most have no idea that something so small can be so hard but are also more than happy to help. She said:

“More If you currently have one or more Impossible Tasks in your life, be gentle with yourself. You’re not a screw up; depression is just an asshole. Impossible Tasks are usually so dumb that it’s embarrassing to ask for help, but the people who love you should be glad to lend a hand. If you have a depressed person in your life, ask them what their Impossible Tasks are & figure out ways to help—without judgment.

“A friend once picked me up, drove me the two blocks to the pharmacy, & came in to help me refill a prescription. TWO BLOCKS. It was an amazing gift. The one good thing about struggling with Impossible Tasks is that they help you to be gentler & more empathetic with other people in your life because you know what it’s like. You know. The trick is to turn that gentleness & empathy toward yourself.”

Molly Backes
Source:
Molly Backes

Her posts have been shared and retweeted thousands of times.

People are finally glad someone gets it and has explained it so well. Hopefully, this will help those who are suffering from depression have a better understanding of their feelings and even ask for help. It also lets them know that they are not alone.

Molly Backes
Source:
Molly Backes

Depression is an ugly disease, but it can be managed with medication, counseling, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The more we know about it, the more we can help ourselves and others who are suffering. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, don’t be afraid to reach out. It’s a lonely illness, and sometimes, just having someone around who understands and cares to help can make a big difference.

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