The endless repeating cycles of the GIF format mirror the exhaustive process of depression. Starting, ending, and starting up again, seamlessly cycling, forever. There is no way to interact. There is no way to pause it. There is no way to know how long it’s been playing. The GIF relentlessly continuous on.

Depression is a cyclical, invisible disorder. It can start as a lethargy that slowly seeps into all aspects of life. When to ask for help is not always clear. The doubt creeps in. Will people not believe you? Will it only make things worse? Do you even deserve to be helped? Posting vague, emotional messages on Facebook has an enormous stigma. Yet when someone you know has depression posts a desperate plea your reception is far from mockery.