I have had a person* say to me that “I was selfish and it was all about me” when I was in the depth of a depressive low mood, does depression make you selfish? I think it does.
When you are depressed you can barely take care of yourself let alone others, just surviving a day can seem like an uphill struggle. Your thoughts and rationing are distorted by the depression and it can make you a selfish person as you cannot think about others. You are so wrapped up in feeling so worthless and useless that you can’t begin to think about another’s problems.
But does depression make you selfish and what does being selfish even mean?
Dictionary.com defines it as; devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.
I do think depression makes you selfish but I believe that is for a reason, the aim is to devote time and energy on yourself to allow your mind time to heal and recover. Sometimes you have to be selfish and put ourselves first and most defiantly when you are suffering from depression your own health has to be your main priority.
During a depressive episode you should fully concentrate on yourself.
You feel so low, lost and hurt almost alike to a physical pain yet you can’t explain where the pain is coming from. By being able to focus on yourself, take time out and dedicate your time to surviving, learning and receiving treatment for depression you are in fact doing the best thing you can do.
I do suffer from depressive moods and at those times yes I suppose I am a selfish person, because I cannot always put others before myself. Does depression make you selfish? Yes it does and for good reason too.
Let’s hear your views; Does Depression Make You Selfish?
About The Real Supermum
you cant possibly put everyone else before yourself when your striving to overcome the depression…. maybe that makes you selfish but in order to get better you have to take time on yourself to look after yourself and dig yourself out of a hole you are in… thats not a bad thing…. its how you cope xx
I’ll still get up with the girls, there’s no one else here to make me get up and get dressed and get them to school.
My ex left me nearly 2 years ago now and for about 6 months on and off those two girls missed out on a lot of school. A lot! I couldnt get out of bed. I have come a long way since then, I get up now and I will refuse to let the mood stop them from going to school. I dont want them to ever see me like that ever again. So now I mope and eat my own body weight in crap while they are at school and I make sure they will have a nice mommy to come home to! Not a sad crying grumpy mommy. I cant be happy all the time, I am grumpy and sad at times but I’m able to explain them that I feel sad sometimes for no reason and that’s why I have to go to my appointments. They know that the doctor helps me not to be grumpy too much.
I’m selfish when they are not around! I’m tired now and I feel grumpy and sad, so I’m going to watch some telly! I’ve the washing up done so I’m allowed now to be slummy mummy!!!!
It makes me quite selfish
I wouldn’t’ say this is selfish, I think its important to take time out and focus yourself, but don’t forget you have your family and friends to help and support you through these challenging times.
Depression can make you selfish but not in the way ppl may think. You need to take a little time out to pull your self together again. Xx
i dont think depression makes u selfish at all i think i think it changes what u need to focus on and u should prioritise urself most definite but selfish aint the word i would use xxx
I don’t think it makes you selfish. I used to think my mum was selfish for self harming and even though i understand a lot more about it a small part of me still thinks it is. But no depression doesn’t make you selfish xx
yeah i think it makes you selfish but not in a self centred way, you have to take care of yourself to help beat the depression so you can then put others first again. its not like you do want you too just because you WANT to its a having to
I wouldn’t say it makes you selfish but how can you put everything/everyone before yourself when you’re trying to get over it?
im guessing im selfish…my own fault tho i refuse to get help for my depression…i refuse to take any medication (personal reason, a few no why) so itry and deal with each day myself. some mornings i wake up happy others i dont, and when i dont i cant be arsed with anything or anyone…not really sure what other route im supposed to take tho. my moods vary alot during the day and have never really had any help…any suggestions wud be helpfull x x
Yes, i am selfish. But I think you are right, you NEED TO BE at times.
I’ve been hiding chocolate this week, as I neeeeed it. So hope the boys dont find it and moan. Before recent breakdown i would spend my very last pennies on the kids, my turn. sorry boys
I’ve not suffered so can’t really comment about it x
I don’t think it does personally xx I think alcoholics and drug users are selfish x