[media-credit name="Eve Bowers" align="alignright" width="225"][/media-credit]
I struggle with depression. Simple sentence, right? But incredibly challenging to admit. Because I see a therapist once a week. Because I take antidepressants daily. And because writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
On February 7th, I sat down at my computer and logged onto Facebook. One by one, I deleted all of my attractive profile pictures and replaced them with a selfie. No makeup, messy ponytail, awkward smile, unflattering angle. I did it because no one has their shit together all the time and no one’s life is perfect, even if it looks like it is from the outside.
Since I changed my profile picture, I’ve gotten an incredible amount of positive feedback, but I have also gotten negative feedback. To those who say my actions are “insensitive” or “disrespectful” or anything else along those lines, I completely respect your feelings. But I think you’re missing the point.
The idea behind changing my Facebook profile picture was to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of social media on self–perception. I believe that the flawless images we post on Facebook are only a portion of the truth. There is nothing wrong with putting your best self on Facebook, but it’s important that we try to show our whole selves, painting a more honest portrait of who we really are.
This movement isn’t a quick fix; it was never supposed to be. I get that a simple profile change isn’t going to solve the mental health crisis at Penn. I did it to make a statement. This is something that everyone’s willing to gossip about but unwilling to admit themselves. With one unflattering selfie, I found an overwhelming amount of support and gratefulness from people who felt uncomfortable admitting imperfection. People like me.
Yes, I struggle with depression. Maybe you do too, or maybe you don’t. But you’re not alone. Admitting your troubles doesn’t make you weak; it makes you brave and it makes you human. Sharing my depression has been incredibly difficult, but it may have saved my life.
You don’t need to hide behind a perfect photograph. And you don’t need to post an ugly one either. On February 7th, I wanted to start an honest conversation. And a week later, we’re still talking.
