What's the difference between normal stress and depression?

Sometimes the best way to understand depression is through asking the right questions. Here are some insights to consider: ## Reflection Questions **What's the difference between normal stress and depression?** This question matters because depression affects everyone differently, especially from the self-recognition perspective. What feels overwhelming to one person might be manageable to another, and that's completely normal. **"How has depression changed the way you see yourself?"** Many people notice that depression shifts their self-perception. You might start seeing yourself as fragile when you're actually incredibly resilient for managing this daily. **"What would your life look like without depression?"** This isn't about wishful thinking - it's about understanding what depression has taken from you, so you can work on getting some of those things back. **"Who in your life truly 'gets' what you're going through?"** Identifying your supporters helps you build your network and reminds you that you're not as alone as depression wants you to believe. ## Why These Questions Help Depression can make you feel disconnected from yourself and others. Reflection questions help you: - Process complex emotions without judgment - Identify patterns in your experience - Recognize your strengths and resilience - Clarify what kind of support you need *Remember: There are no wrong answers to these questions. They're tools for understanding, not tests you can fail.*