What People With Depression ACTUALLY Mean By "I'm Sorry"

What People With Depression ACTUALLY Mean By "I'm Sorry" What People With Depression ACTUALLY Mean By "I'm Sorry"

When most people say ā€œIā€™m sorryā€, theyā€™re usually apologising for one or more specific things that they did or didnā€™t do. However, whenĀ someone with depression says ā€œIā€™m sorryā€, then while they may of course be similarly apologising for a specific action or inaction, they may also be saying ā€œIā€™m sorryā€ for a variety of other reasons that arenā€™t immediately obvious.

Consequently, a little while ago, we at The Depression Project recently asked our 3,000,000+ person social media community:

What are you often thinking / apologising for when you say "I'm sorry"?

And below, weā€™d like to share some of the responses with you.

Quotes About What People With Depression Are OftenĀ Thinking / Apologising For When They Say "I'm Sorry"

  • ā€œIā€™m unworthy of this relationship, and Iā€™m waiting for you to confirm that.ā€
  • "Iā€™m sorry for being ā€˜too muchā€™ when it comes to my emotions, my depression, etcetera.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m sorry for being ā€˜not enoughā€™ ā€“ i.e. not good enough for you.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m sorry that I canā€™t show you my joyful, chirpy, helpful side today.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m sorry that I canā€™t show up more, be more present in our relationship, and help you too.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m sorry for being a buzz kill. Iā€™m sorry for disappearing to recharge. Iā€™m sorry for having you wonder if Iā€™m really OK.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m aware of the burden I place on others, and I am so sorry.ā€
  • ā€œPlease donā€™t leave me because of my depression.ā€
  • ā€œI feel guilty for everything Iā€™m putting you through because of my depression.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m sorry for being so needy.ā€
  • ā€œI apologise for my presence.ā€
  • ā€œI hate myself for what I did. Iā€™m so sorry.ā€
  • ā€œPlease donā€™t leave me. I donā€™t mean to be this way.ā€
  • ā€œIā€™m scared Iā€™m losing you.ā€
  • ā€œI feel I am inconveniencing you, and I hate that.ā€
  • ā€œPlease donā€™t hate me.ā€

ļ»æWhat To Do If You Know Someone With Depression Who Tells You "I'm Sorry"

As you can see, ifĀ a loved one with depression tells you that theyā€™re ā€œsorryā€, then itā€™s possible that while they may be apologising for something specific that they did or didnā€™t do, they may also be having a crippling moment of self-doubt, shame, insecurity and/or self-hatred. Consequently, we really encourage you to keep this in mind, and try your best to reassure your loved one and to make them feel safe.

All our love,

The Depression Project Team.

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