Originally Posted by ridingviking

Does your life seem pointless, and you don't know how you'll be able to survive the day? Or why you should even bother trying? Do you avoid other people because you can't stand that they know how to feel happy, and you just can't feel anything? Do you feel like your mental capabilities are deteriorating? Are you unable to control your anger over small things? Are you always tired, but unable to sleep? If so, you are may be suffering from depression, and you should really make an effort to get better. Professional help may be in order, but if you're not too far into depression mindfulness training may help you. So may going on motorcycle rides - it puts you into a flow where the moment is everything that counts.

Do you suddenly feel so vulnerable that you can't face everyday situations? Does your mental condition make you hyperventilate and physically hurt? Do you get sudden pangs of terror that are not rationally explainable? Is your heart suddenly racing and your hands shaking when you think of particular things? Are you always tense and worried for no particular reason? Do you avoid normal situations because you are afraid your fears will overwhelm you? If so, you may be suffering from anxiety. If this lasts for more than a few weeks, you should seek help.

If not, you're probably just a bit sad and worried. That won't hurt you, and is part of everyone's life. Being a little sad, out of control, dejected and worried in the middle of a global pandemic is probably a healthy reaction. If you never felt that way, that would actually be a problem. But out of respect for those who really suffer, please don't belittle their debilitating experience by likening it to normal, healthy experiences.

Short edit: I know this might sound harsh, but a major problem encountered by those suffering from anxiety or depression is that "normal" people think they're just worried or sad, and that they just need to get happy again. Therefore, I believe it is important to not say depressed when you mean sad, or anxiety when you mean worries.