MILFORD, Ind. (WTHR) — When a Milford, Indiana woman posted a photo on Facebook about what it's like to battle depression, she had no idea so many people would be able to relate.
"This is what depression looks like," she captioned a photo of a mountain of clean dishes on the kitchen counter.
While the photo of the dishes looks like a normal day's work for anyone responsible for household chores, Brittany Ernsperger explains it means so much more.
Ernsperger wrote about her struggles with depression and anxiety. She said she had cried on the kitchen floor, staring at the dishes, knowing they needed to be cleaned, but could not bring herself to do them.
"Depression pulled me under. It sucked me in. Like a black hole. Rapidly, sinking quick-sand," she wrote.
She said the photo represents more than just a chore. It represents her struggle to do everyday tasks like laundry, dressing her kids and even brushing her teeth.
But while Ernsperger has her fair share of fears of how her depression and anxiety might affect her life and her family, she also had a message of hope.
"I don't even care if the only thing you did today was put deodorant on. I'm proud of you for it. Good job. I'm in your corner," she wrote. She then offered a helping hand to others like her, fighting depression and anxiety.
Ensperger didn't expect the post, which has been shared more than 200,000 times, to resonate with so many people.
"I was pretty sure I was alone," she told TODAY. "I think people responded because it was such a vulnerable moment."
Dr. Holly Swartz, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, told TODAY Ernsperger's post revealed some symptoms of depression that aren't often talked about.
Suggested Links
"People feel very overwhelmed by the demands of daily life," Swartz said. "It is kind of a double-whammy. The depression makes it hard to get things done and the depression makes you think that you are a bad person for not being able to do them."
Since initially sharing the post, Ernsperger has continued to give updates and encouragement to those following her.
She also started a blog called "The Relatable Mom" to share her thoughts on her life.
Thanks for reading Indiana mom goes viral for Facebook post about battling depression, anxiety. Please share...!
0 Comment for "Indiana mom goes viral for Facebook post about battling depression, anxiety"