Coping with Depression: Why Simple Tasks Become Overwhelming

Depression isn’t always about sadness. For many, it shows up in the everyday responsibilities that suddenly feel impossible — showering, doing dishes, folding laundry, or even picking up medication. These “impossible tasks” are not signs of laziness or weakness, but very real symptoms of depression.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Molly Bacchus shares how naming this phenomenon as “the impossible task” helped thousands of people feel validated and less alone. Molly explains how depression magnifies guilt and shame around daily responsibilities, why asking for help is a survival tool, and how support from others can make all the difference.

Bridget, Terry, and Molly shine a compassionate light on one of the most overlooked aspects of living with depression — showing listeners that these struggles are symptoms, not character flaws.

Link to an article about Molly's tweets: bit.ly/37rLjm8

Primary Topics Covered:

• What “the impossible task” means in the context of depression
• Why simple chores suddenly feel overwhelming
• The emotional toll of guilt and shame in daily life
• Real-life examples of impossible tasks: dishes, laundry, showering
• Molly’s viral thread that resonated with thousands online
• The importance of normalizing these hidden symptoms of depression
• Why asking for help is not weakness, but survival
• How friends and loved ones can support someone facing impossible tasks
• Why impossible tasks are depression symptoms — not personal failings

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction  
01:00 – Introducing “the impossible task”  
01:35 – When daily chores become overwhelming  
02:32 – Molly’s viral tweets and community response  
03:18 – Defining the impossible task and its emotional weight  
04:18 – Examples: laundry, dishes, and showering  
05:28 – Why outsiders don’t understand the struggle  
06:13 – Guilt and shame as companions of depression  
07:36 – How depression blinds you to your surroundings  
08:54 – Emotional triage: survival over responsibilities  
09:41 – Even medication pickups can feel impossible  
10:42 – How friends can lighten the load  
11:43 – Reminder: “This will not last forever”  
12:15 – Depression’s lie about your “new normal”  
12:42 – Helping others with their impossible tasks  
13:40 – Why supporting someone else also helps you  
14:44 – Asking for help isn’t being a burden  
15:37 – Closing reflections and community invitation  

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/