Depressed person Quote by Stacy Pershall
““Nobody would commit suicide if the pain of being inside herself, the agony of the sleepless, tortured hours spent watching the world get smaller and uglier, were bearable or could be relieved by other people telling her how they wanted her to feel. A depressed person is selfish because her self, the very core of who she is, will not leave her alone, and she can no more stop thinking about this self and how to escape it than a prisoner held captive by a sadistic serial killer can forget about the person who comes in to torture her everyday. Her body is brutalized by her mind. It hurts to breathe, eat, walk, think. The gross maneuverings of her limbs are so overwhelming, so wearying, that the fine muscle movements or quickness of wit necessary to write, to actually say something, are completely out of the question.””
About This Quote
The quote describes deep depression as an overwhelming, self‑destructive mental state that feels inescapable and physically painful, likening it to being tortured by an external force.
In simple terms: Depression feels like relentless mental and physical torment.
Recognize the intensity of depression and seek compassionate help.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- support groups
- personal journaling
- mindfulness practice
- emergency crisis lines
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What coping strategies could break the cycle of self‑torment?
- How can others provide support without minimizing the experience?
Depression may also involve moments of relief or resilience, which this description omits.