How A Viral Twitter Thread Is Exposing The Hidden Symptom Of Depression

The Impossible Task

Jack

• Published in Interesting
• November 21, 2018

Just about every person on Earth either has experienced depression or knows someone closely who has. Everybody knows the standard signs and feeling associated with depression - tiredness, sadness, anxiety - and while stigmas around mental health are definitely changing, there is one symptom that you never hear talked about. The Impossible Task. As Twitter user @mollybackes describes it, is that every day thing that you just inexplicably can't do. It could be as simple as taking a shower, brushing your teeth or getting dressed, but with a sudden wave of anxiety and fatigue it will become The Impossible Task

Mental health is becoming more talked about in the mainstream, as stigmas around the disease lessen and dialogue opens up. However there is one thing that you never hear spoken about, although it is one of the most universally experienced symptoms of depression.

The Impossible Task

As with all facets of mental health, The Impossible Task is different for everyone and can even be different for you each time you feel the sensation. Molly Backes explains it here

Even the most simple of tasks

Molly goes on to explain that it can really be the most simple and silly of tasks, a contributing factor to the embarrassment and anxiety that goes along with the phenomenon.

Unfortunately when you're attempting to grapple with the idea that you can't put the washing on or get changed, you are left with the worst guidance councilor ever - your brain.

Molly's message isn't all doom and gloom though. She goes on to promote a bit of self love in the face of this cruel beast. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time to work through the moment, however impossible it may feel.

She goes on to explain that the best way to move through these hard times is by extending a hand to those around you - regardless of how silly and helpless you feel. The people you love will be happy to help you.

Obviously Molly was right - The Impossible Task is something that has been felt by most if not all sufferers of depression, and her take on it resonated with many others.

Jack