“Rest More. Maybe We’ll Go on a Trip When You Feel Like It.”

When I was 25, I developed depression. At first, I absolutely refused to accept it, but every day felt gloomy. I didn’t want to see people, I’d get sad over small things, and tears would suddenly spill out.

During my commute, I’d feel an overwhelming urge not to go to work and often ended up calling in sick.

I grew fed up with myself, thinking, “What am I doing?” I felt like a failure, which only made me sink deeper.

Eventually, I couldn’t go to work at all and started isolating myself at home.

I spent my days aimlessly, sleeping through most of them, even wondering what the point of living was.

But one day, my family said to me in a gentle voice, “Rest more. Maybe we’ll go on a trip when you feel like it.”

I thought they must be disappointed in me, so I was incredibly surprised and overjoyed. That moment, that kind voice—I haven’t forgotten it even after 10 years.

With my family’s support, I slowly started moving forward.

I began looking for work, and my fear of meeting people outside my family gradually faded. A year later, I was even able to start dating.

I realized that when someone has depression, telling them they’re lazy or to “try harder” is the worst thing you can do. Accepting the illness and understanding that not pushing yourself too hard is key.

Above all, the best medicine is love—absolutely. For me, it was my family, but it could be a partner too. Feeling loved is the greatest remedy.

※This article is a personal depression story. The content is solely based on personal experience and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for professional advice.