EVERYTHING WILL KILL YOU | Shut In

[@montymon6944]

There is something about how stubbornly and defiantly Mark said no to that first ending that is very motivating.

[@username-pf3di]

Like check ✔

[@montymon6944]

Holy shit when???

[@username-pf3di]

@@montymon6944 Long ago 😔👊💙

[@Orangefruitnotthedrink]

Another like check

[@bunnyfl1x668]

like check

[@dryerlynnt6984]

I'm comforted for some odd reason by the fact that Mark is angrily confident when the game tells him he's bad.

[@jw5386]

How I aspire to react to my depression brain

[@xDemon666x]

anger is always the answer. rise it, make it grow, make it consume your enemys.

[@p.t.557]

Stabbing people is a real confidence boost!

[@cameronfrith1302]

@@xDemon666x Ummmm... Id like to just jump in here for a second... As someone with anger management problems, anger is not always the answer. While it can be a powerful ally and get certain things done, it can also BE your worst enemy and can actually get you into more trouble than its worth. That being said, the PART of anger that you can learn from and use daily is the resolve. When you get truly furious at someone, there is very little, if anything, that can convince you to change your mind and calm down. THAT is the part of anger everyone (including myself) needs practice harnessing, and harnessing it correctly. Because you can be the most resolute person in the world and commit mass homicide, but thats not healthy (or legal XD). Or, you can use the resolve and clean up your house. Do the dishes, get laundry cleaned, folded, and put away (thats the big part of laundry), and take a 10 minute walk outside. Just 10 minutes. It is not about using anger in its entirety and losing control, its about controlling your mind set and getting things done. Controlling yourself to do what you NEED to do rather than what you want to do (or rather what you dont want to do).

[@thistle_berry]

@@cameronfrith1302 that's really interesting. I struggle with feeling...well lots of things, but especially anger. I might try some of this and see if it helps. I haven't really ever heard anger described like that before, and thinking of it like that might make it easier for me let myself feel it.

[@smadbean208]

Everytime the narrator claims “it’s so cozy in here, don’t go outside”, it reminds me of an aspect of depression that doesn’t get talked about a lot, as far as I’m aware. The fact that after a while, being depressed feels.... normal. It’s routine. It’s comfortable. And to get out of it becomes an uncomfortable ordeal, where you have to constantly push yourself to get better, when you could just be giving up, and going back to bed. It feels easier to let it take over, than to push through. Feels easier to stay sad or numb than to go out there and make your own happiness. Depression is sneaky like that. Don’t let it stay normal. Don’t let it become cozy. Once you’re fine, and you will be, you’ll realize it wasn’t as comfortable as it desperately tried to make itself out to be. Edit: Mark sums it up pretty well at the end lmao

[@baileyspencer6469]

100% yes. When I was in a very bad but functional state of depression over the course of maybe 2 or 3 years I didn't even want to get better, just stay comfortable where I was. Very dangerous thing to fall into.

[@letsreadtextbook1687]

100% describes my online friend. Like he's not seriously suicidal anymore and have hopeful thoughts more often but he doesn't seem to make it his goal to actually go out there. He longs for irl friends but doesn't want step outta his house to meet people. Any tips on what i should say to him? Or should i just stay outta it?

[@mirandalovern8699]

the show big mouth kinda shows it by making the symbol for depression a big fluffy cat

[@bread4237]

@@letsreadtextbook1687 My recommendation personally is to encourage him within your comfort and ability. Don't hurt yourself trying to give help to someone who doesn't want it, but a nudge in the right direction and encouragement to take action can go a long way. Point him towards resources that can help him if you cannot. Please do not overexert yourself. You're not responsible for another person's life, but if you get wrapped up, it might feel like it. All you can do is give what you can. The last thing we want is to feel like a burden to the people we care about.

[@lolno7273]

felt that. ive had depression for a while, and its coupled with anxiety for me. my depression has already set in, and my anxiety doesnt like changes at all. so its like im stuck in this little whirlpool of "well i should take my meds- oK TOO MUCH HAPPY GOOP GO BACK TO SAD"

[@Madame_Talos]

I love how the Narrator keeps insulting the main character, and Mark, being the embodiment of confidence, won’t take it. It’s really inspiring.

[@potatoshark72]

Main?

[@builderbosc]

The?

[@mdbgamer556]

The duality of man.

[@Blazzes1001]

It is always nice to have a stubborn voice of bullheaded-confidence and self-importance that doesn't waver from outside pressure. It is not a very noble-sounding aspect, but it is what keeps people moving forward towards a future undaunted by the trials and tribulations of the past.

[@embadly]

keeps?

[@ShabbyCoronet81]

The game: tries to make environment creepy and desolate. Adds in a plant Mark: Plant good. Plant healthy.

[@X-SPONGED]

Why does this comment have 336 likes and no replies ?

[@plaguedoctorspencer]

@@X-SPONGED because people like it but have nothing to add

[@plaguedoctorspencer]

@Rhys Luff shut bot

[@plaguedoctorspencer]

@Rhys Luff ah, well that means you can understand me. So shut.

[@plaguedoctorspencer]

@Rhys Luff your internet connection. I would say to shut off your entire brain but you don't seem to have one.

[@annick7869]

the fact that everything the player does, the narrator doesn't like. when mark said "that's rude, i'm trying my best" just hit differently.

[@TinaShmina]

Literally

[@luisaucedo]

.

[@jkennith]

For sure. I’m like damn I need to tell my intrusive thoughts that.

[@zaqareemalcolm]

we all need an inner markiplier in our life

[@annick7869]

[ @@zaqareemalcolm ] you're so damn right bestie

[@Terra654]

Every death in the game just makes complete sense. Even the first one when the shelf just crushes you in the bed. Yeah, if you stay in bed you feel crushed "Good job me, you wasted your time and everyone else's time that would've liked to talk to you or see you, what a disgrace." This game is a masterpiece.

[@Nico_the_Dragon]

I'm in the midst of a depressive episode as I watch this and hearing Mark being so aggressively supportive and fighting with the game’s dialogue, especially 'it's an improvement no matter what', was really encouraging.

[@cultofnatethemagnificent5879]

That was my story as well. Really helped stop my depressive episode.

[@vivienroselind]

1:03:46 "It's an improvement no matter what!" :D

[@judestarbabypup]

​@@vivienroselindthanks

[@gronglus25]

me too

[@usuck4047]

same here, rn im on the up off the worst deppressive episode of my life lol

[@raptorjesus7436]

To me this game shows how difficult simple tasks can be when living with depression. Washing your face, brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, taking care of your environment, eating etc … are hard to accomplish because of all the work and energy you have to put in to be able to accomplish those tasks. Not only that but the narrator in the game is the depressive thoughts, squeezing the energy and motivation out of you. Going outside is terrifying as well because your little space no matter how dirty, worn down or ugly it can be, it’s still a safe space where you can rest, not care about the outside world, not care about your responsibilities, you don’t work yourself to exhaustion trying to live a life, you just let your illness eat you alive and sometimes that can be more comforting than trying to get any better. All of the framed photos, documents, toys and various forgotten memories kind of represent self isolation. Forgetting about your family, friends and social life. Your childhood toys are in a basement completely forgotten because they’re is no joy in remembering them. Basically the whole game to me can be about the « but just do it » thing, where people don’t necessarily understand how difficult simple songs can be living with depression.

[@liv7282]

this is late, but i feel exactly the same way about it!! the way that the protagonist has to jump hoops and retrace their steps in order to do something as simple as brush their teeth, it shows metaphorically the amount of effort it takes for someone who is depressed to do that task in real life

[@BaylorRobinson]

i mean... yeah... that is what the description of the game said in the intro so you are correct

[@CatMuto]

I can tell my mental health is taking a dip when I don't take a bath or shower for several days because I just can't get myself to do it.

[@avery_is_here9054]

Depression makes you feel like the little things pile up easily, they stress your brain out. I've met people who are like "so try doing this- try taking care of yourself" it's hard. REALLY HARD. When you feel exhausted 24/7 you stop taking care of yourself, even I have. I don't wanna leave the house after being betrayed so many times by people. I wanna stay home where I can forget and not care. But outside or inside, it doesn't get better. Especially when someone young doesn't have the opportunity or freedom to get help. Once it happens, you can't get out.

[@pidgeon2699]

i think also the fact that everything is a threat. like when I have to take a shower I constantly fret over like, what if there's a serial killer waiting to jump out and kill me, what if the shampoo is actually nair, what if the water levels get fucked and I burn my skin off, what if the house catches on fire while im in there, what if there's a zombie apocalypse and no one can tell me because im in the shower. ANYWAY all this to say I think the game is good because it kinda forces to be in that depressive anxiety-ridden mindset.

[@elizabethshaw7472]

"Get out of bed." "I'm trying to!" Felt that.

[@captainblastem9095]

same

[@abecardoza6731]

So so true

[@kuyashi6858]

You almost made me spill my coffee

[@imincent1767]

ikkrrr

[@the_vibe_boi5714]

Wait u guys are struggling to get out of bed

[@VIIStardust]

I love how the ending isn’t forcing another step. Getting things done already takes so much effort and sometimes that’s just the limit. If you don’t accept your progress, you‘ll destroy yourself. Make improvements, make progress, then relish it.

[@Wraith101]

100% correct. The problem with actual depression is that it's not just a temporary feeling that goes away once you get outside. It's a problem of dealing with yourself and your thoughts. You have low self worth, you compare yourself to others, nothing you do is good enough, you can always be better but you don't measure up and you beat yourself up about it. Beating depression, particularly the long and serious cases, is about accepting small victories. You tidied yourself up and did you chores. Well done. I know you are exhausted. You did really well. Don't push yourself into a corner, overwhelm yourself and fall into old habits and give up because of how bad it felt to keep pushing. Progress feels good. It's why alot of gamers are depressed. Because games are an easy and artificial way to feel progress. Taking measurable progressive steps in your life is the best way out. You don't shower? Make your goal to try and shower that day. Once you manage to do it, appreciate that you did. Once you've made that a routine, try to add something else. Keep making step by step improvements and appreciating your progress. DO NOT OVERWHELM YOURSELF. Every time you overwhelm yourself and give up, you make it a bit harder to get better the next time you try. Appreciate your efforts. Lying in bed after a hard day's work feels really good. On some days, that looks like doing a singular chore. Appreciate that effort.

[@sadrabbit53]

@@Wraith101 The problem lies in when anhedonia comes into play. I've been depressed for a third of my total lifespan and either can't feel the victory anymore or can't recognize when I do. Some things/days _do_ feel like victories, but others simply don't, even if I'm doing the exact same quality of progress. It's unpredictable. Unreliable.

[@Cr0wM0ther]

Game: Open the jar? Mark: No I wanted to place the ja- Game: H E H A S C H O S E N T H E B E E S

[@sillysceneX3]

T H E B E E S !

[@ChiefsPlayground]

if I ever make a game I'm gonna put a character named after you in it that says "H E H A S C H O S E N T H E B E E S " banger of a line

[@Cr0wM0ther]

@@ChiefsPlayground aw ty!

[@ChiefsPlayground]

@@Cr0wM0ther I can already see the character you’d be too, Salty summoner of Bees. PC walks into boss arena after getting fair warning my Salty, they then hear “So you have CHOSEN THE BEES, I shall grant you a stinging death”

[@ronorchid793]

Welcome to Applebee's do you want apples or bees?

[@rocketsurgery950]

My therapist once said, "Sometimes you need to just push yourself through the day. But sometimes, pushing yourself too hard is like running a marathon with a broken leg: it'll make things worse. It's okay to rest. In both physical and mental health, resting is just as important for recovery as activity." I think that's what the "good ending" in this game was going for.

[@catmanlegions]

When the game was talking about comfort in the attic, it seems to be like comfort in your own head. Well, at least my interpretation is that the game is all in your head. I'd settle for that personally. Feel like if you're comfortable in your own head, it may make other things easier to do.

[@hgdellinger]

I think Mark struggled with that happy ending, because he finds so much purpose in work and movement and action. He's known grief, but he also throws himself into so many projects and activities to keep himself occupied. Most of us can't do that.

[@Alsarnia]

You might be right about this. Like, there was a goal, to go outside, that wasn't achieved, but look at everything that was achieved! Folding away all the boxes. Opening a present that's been avoided for a while. Getting dressed and freshening up. Cleaning up and decorating the house. Heck, sometimes just getting up from bed is a struggle. The goal that was set may not have been achieved, but so much else was and I think the character, and the player, should take pride in that. Yes, persistence to achieve a single goal is a great thing to have and aspire to, but sometimes you should be cognizant of what you're currently capable and make realistic goals for yourself. True, you didn't get outside today, but look at what you did accomplish. And, like the game says, there's always tomorrow to try again. You didn't fail your goal. Not so long as you always keep trying.

[@GreasyTrout]

Not sure if the game had this in mind with _"the good ending"_. However, I personally tought if this aswell when I saw the good ending. Pushing yourself to hard will just make you crash down again and disspoint you, likely to leave you more confused and in bad shape than before. (with the hope you learn from it). Anyway, thanks for writing out what I thought aswell.

[@SpookyTim]

I didn’t really understand the good ending until I read this and now I totally get it. I hope mark sees this

[@alexnooijens3964]

I like the "try again tomorrow" part. It's the mindset a lot of people walk around with. "Maybe tomorrow will be better" but saying that with no intent of making tomorrow better. "I'll do it tomorrow" eventhough you know you won't. It just hits hard.

[@highlander6573]

>Builds up enough willpower to reach into my school backpack and open a book over the course of 3 days. >Studies for 5 minutes. "Yeah, that's enough for today"

[@egemenozan5641]

It's also specifically connected to this particular psychological issue depicted in this game. I also suffer from this. Uni hast started a month ago and I haven't yet been able to set foot inside the place. My biggest record was to take a cab to a nearby pharmacy this month. Here's to hoping I'll get to school before the year is over

[@T_E_G]

@@highlander6573 *has to do late school work* "Yeah I'll do it later or at home!" *cuts to forgetting and not catching up*

[@baldr2139]

The sad truth of life

[@cowabanger]

@@egemenozan5641 I get how that can feel.. I broke down and had to skip 3 days of my classes because I couldn’t stop panicking and crying when I got there. Luckily I have friends and teachers who care about me and really helped me recover enough until I visit my counselor. I hope you can figure something out soon.

[@4Curses]

Game: Tries to show you what depression is like and talks you down. Markiplier: " YOU have chosen the WRONG opponent!"

[@Graci_Is_Spaci]

I think what mark was saying was....actually a good example of how to deal with those thoughts unintentionally 😂 we all need to think like mark lmao

[@hunterc.3536]

Yes!

[@judestarbabypup]

It's.. very inspiring.

[@Kralisedra]

we all need a mini Markiplier in our heads to pick fights with the depression.

[@ruesylvester]

@@Graci_Is_Spaci we all have the ability to observe and redirect our thoughts in a healthier manner. we all can decide what thoughts to focus on primarily. no matter how long and winding our trains of thoughts can be, there's always a way to find a way back to yourself

[@gabrieljensen8698]

I feel like this is the most accurate depiction of depression and not because of the items and some underlying themes, its the narrator. Coming from having deppression, everyday decision I made was always countered with me telling myself that what I did was wrong and that I was an idiot. To me, the narrator is you and the entire time its really you battling yourself, the house being warped and twisted by your own mind, creating this endless cycle of hell. Each time you die, its just you giving up on the task you were doing.

[@malintent2025]

You, Friend, Said the most accurate representation of what I was thinking, I personally love this idea.

[@gudinesangelicau]

😢

[@flooghini5248]

I'm with Mark on the ending segment. I really like the visual analogy of a decaying house, and the constant condescending tone of the narrator, I feel like all of that is pretty accurate for what I go through. But that ending segment really is a step backwards for me. The way I interpret things, cleaning up the one room in the house is an act of defiance against depression. It's changing your outlook on a specific aspect of your life for the better. But that is REALLY difficult. It takes a lot out of someone with depression. I know from personal experience. I see the front door, the outside, as a break from the rest of the house. Yes, one room is better, but the rest of the house is still in disarray. It's not safe in the house, despite that one room being more tidy. It serves to be a logical next step to leave the house, get some fresh air, and rest up. When feeling ready, you can come back into the house, tidy up a new room, and rinse and repeat. Going back to bed, in a house that is objectively unsafe, and stewing in the darkness that surrounds it seems like a terrible idea. The house is out to get you, there is no rest inside of it. It's much more healthy to step outside, hang out with some friends, meet new people, find a new hobby, rather than staying in the house. This is a super long and late comment. You probably don't even remember writing this, and if it pops up in your notifications, you'll probably have no idea what I'm talking about. But I'm drunk, don't really care, and can confidently say that I have spent too long in the house, and it's starting to take a toll on me. Cheers, mate

[@aquadraco20]

The self depreciation in every single action is really striking in this game. This game wants to put you down, and keep you down, any way that it possibly can, and prevent you from making any progress or improvement. Even the dialogue options, like "why bother" are an effort to keep you down. I think thats a really good way to illustrate the destructive mindset that depression can put you in. And I also appreciate how the depression and agoraphobia aspect of it aren't hamfisted and pitiful- this is an actual game, an entertaining game with depth, and it doesnt just exist to show you what depression feels like.

[@freddym99]

in a game those down pushing actions are actually encouraging. in front of your screen its easy to fight it, but that is no match to reality

[@jkennith]

It resonated with me too. The way Mark responds to the intrusive voice should be how I treat my depression. Alas, I’m never as kind with myself. I’m just as unforgiving as the narrator, really.

[@judestarbabypup]

@@jkennith you can practice it ✨ every little bit helps

[@jkennith]

@@judestarbabypup you’re right! It’s just harder to recognize that voice I guess when it’s inside your head. I would never be that cruel to another person.

[@Terra654]

I think that shows perfectly what depression is. Depression isn't a 24/7 full power emotion it's fluctuating. But the moments when you attempt to do anything or even think there's always a backhanded comment.

[@andrewsalyer5340]

This perfectly describes the struggle of depression. It makes EVERYTHING a chore, a struggle. Even simply taking care of yourself.

[@akiramakara2062]

Game: Rummage through the bin? Mark: _West of Loathing spitoon instincts kick in_

[@sylaconnocalys8443]

That thought immediately went through my head when Mark became extremely enthusiastic about the bin.

[@lupenngrimpaw936]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought that.

[@liv.amber07]

memories unlocked

[@marylara1609]

I instantly thought of the spitoons lol

[@chadjenkarns761]

i thought the same thing!!!!

[@RonnieJay]

agoraphobia is often mistaken as the fear of the outdoors but its actually the crippling anxiety that we will get injured or hurt if we do things outside our very small comfort zones, the fear of inescapable situations, the fear of no escape, no safety. When I brought this up to my own therapist she asked me what I thought the word meant, and once I explained it she agreed that I was infact a sufferer of this haunting condition and further explained that people hear or see the word and think it means the inability to leave the house or go do social things, which is actually introverted or social anxiety, not agoraphobia. As I continue on years after the diagnosis I get hit with another diagnosis of vasovagal syncopy, a condition in which if I am overexerted or overwhelmed I could pass out as my muscles tense too tightly around the vasovagal nerve. I leave the house, I go into stores. I haven't dated or made a friend in years, I haven't been to any social events, only funerals and a few shows, I don't even feel safe at home. I'm a hermit, I'm a shut in. I'm cut off and i'm trying to change. It's not easy. I've been here since day 1 of mark's channel, and during all these years so much has happened, but mark has been a constant in an always changing, always scary world. Never change mark.

[@theguywhoseinsideyourwalls9153]

Hey I know I'm a stranger but hope your doing alright.

[@taco2188]

same as the guy above, I hope you are doing ok and that you can make progress

[@churro6160]

❤

[@lovezozo13]

as another person with agoraphobia i feel for your struggle. i hope you are doing alright. healing is a process not a destination and i wish you the best with your progress

[@chim-chimkerfuffles9612]

even though you probably won't see this, you're doing great. Don't give up. There are so many people who genuinely care for you, never forget that. And I hope you will feel better someday. maybe not today. Or tomorrow. But someday. Someday is someday, not never.

[@amethystcovette]

Mark yelling at the intrusive thoughts/feelings of the narrator was great because sometimes you have to yell at yourself and say “No, we are doing wonderful shut up” but now when they pop up I want to imagine mark kicking down my door and yelling at them for me lol.

[@mcmxcviii-nia]

Or doing that superman punch to them

[@Moss_Dude]

"I heard your depression is strong, let me fight it!"

[@Iris-bc1zi]

My self-loathing thinking: exists until... **insert the mark tackle-attack meme**

[@evergreen3337]

Yeah, it's good to combat those thoughts. Trying to make my mindset more positive has really helped me in the past..

[@mio9682]

Whenever I think bad of myself I’ll imagine mark telling me to shut up loll

[@marinayusta2991]

The game: is complicated, deep, talks about agoraphobia and depression and other mental illnesses. Mark: WHAT ARE THE BEES FOR? TELL ME WHAT ARE THE BEES FOR.

[@valerian_insomniac]

*They are my emotional support bees*

[@belldandygoddesslov]

They were the outside people who told you "you're fine." "Just be happy." When you're depressed, happiness is something that is hard to achieve. Most people don't understand that depression is an equivalent to a broken bone. You feel the pain, the sadness burdens you. But since people can't see it on the outside, they think you're overreacting, being dramatic. The bees are outside people inferring that you're not normal, that something is wrong with you; and it hurts you, emotionally. It attacks your self-esteem, your self worth.

[@bnn07y]

@@belldandygoddesslov holy...shit... thats my whole entire life. thank you, so much for explaining like that. it was such an eye opener.

[@alexinio0535]

The bees... everything happened because of the BEES!

[@marinayusta2991]

@@belldandygoddesslov damn

[@UltraMarineBlue]

I hope everyone who's internal monologue is as negative as this game's narrator grows a tiny markiplier in their head that tells it to stfu xD

[@asilnorahc8910]

In my group of friends, we gave names to our "bad brain", the ones that talk us down. So whenever we share something bad/beat ourselves up, the others insult the bad brain by calling its name instead of telling us "you shouldn't say/think that". BC it's nicer to beat the shit out of someone else than saying you as a person just don't get things right. Impersonating our bad brains makes things overall funnier and nicer. Now, calling our bad brains out AND growing a tiny Markiplier to encourage us through shitstorms and days... Yeah. That's a life I can do things with.

[@a_very_burnt_steak]

Negative? Nah. He's... I mean, they... There's a lot of them. They mean no harm, but eccentric is the weirdest for me. Anger is hard to control, sadness is rare. Horny, well you know where it goes. Then there's the good guy and bad guy, both make the best decisions for me. Also the memory dude, sometimes remind me of things that can be either useful of useless. And there is me. I question their thoughts, decisions, and assumptions. Everything is fine... so far.

[@UltraMarineBlue]

@@a_very_burnt_steak hey, idk if you have issues with social interactions or something but just so you know, you shouldn't just mention your horniness when nobody asked. It's very unsettling.

[@a_very_burnt_steak]

@@UltraMarineBlue it isn't. Well. I guess I don't get along people this way. Might as well take my other face. It's fake, by the way. Sorry if it's unsettling. I'm sorry.

[@ckyro8218]

SILENCIO BRUNO

[@lycirus2331]

So… this video just shows that Mark is the anti-depression

[@Mechanix04]

Mark went through depression,he's been there. He learned how to fight and win, that's why he was fighting tooth and nail with that narrator

[@kimbaldun]

Mark got really depressed that one time his bestfriend killed himself

[@KiwiSpartan01]

Helped many get out of that box, myself included

[@hopehaskins3955]

We all need to remember, we have a mini mark in our head fighting those insulting thoughts. Go mini marks, go! o7

[@khato111]

He’s said before that he’s never dealt with depression. Depression =/= temporary sadness.

[@KrinkelsNG]

It warms me to see Mark still playing these kinda horror games.

[@mrallahuakbar1134]

Are you alive!?

[@flutecoc]

this is great and all but im selling a door

[@toasty7775]

IS THAT KRINKELS CREATOR OF POPULAR ONLINE ANIMATED SERIES MADNESS COMBAT??!?!?

[@mrallahuakbar1134]

@@toasty7775 yes

[@preservery]

depression

[@depositstomach1816]

An interesting thing I haven’t seen other talk about is the main characters room. At first it got described as a a place you feel safe in, even by the game itself. But the longer the game goes on, the more the weirdness of the rest of the house starts to take over it as well. Which I kinda feel. I have bpd and adhd and massively struggle with executive function. I almost only lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and the longer my bad phases are, the more I hate this room. It’s more like a prison then a safe space.

[@miss-laea]

Oh hey I have BPD and adhd too. It really sucks but I’ve realized managing your feelings and slowly working through self deprecation of harsh BPD thoughts made my life real better. But it took me having a very rough couple of months to start that growing process and I’m far from being done

[@Frame_Late]

@@miss-laea I have manic BPD, and I'm in remission. You two can get there.

[@lolno7273]

i know you've probably heard this before, but get some sun (/pos, gen) ! i dont necessarily mean go outside and run around, but opening your curtains helps. ive struggled with a multitude of disorders for a long time (including exec. dysfunction), so i know its really difficult to get up and do it, but giving yourself some light on the good days when you might not need it might help a bit (it doesnt fix everything, but its certainly a start)

[@depositstomach1816]

@@lolno7273 Yeah, I've heard that a few times and I know that it's technically true since sun boosts stuff like Vitamine production and dopamine (I think?) The problem is that I can't really deal with bright lights since my sensory issues are really bugging me on most days. But sometimes I do manage to get in the sun/nm

[@Terra654]

I get that. Maybe not in a way you understand it however the concept of waking up to a safe space and then eventually hating that space is all too common for me.

[@KanuckStreams]

As a person with chronic Depression and Anxiety, this hit actually rather close (except for the shower full of carnivorous insects. I got rid of those when I moved into my latest apartment).

[@faxmine]

I can totally agree with this. When I was watching I felt like a lot of this hit hard. I have Dysthymia and ADHD, and at the end of the video when he was talking about the game and what he thought and he was staring straight at the camera really made me go into tears. I didn't expect that to hit me hard, but it did. Here's to tomorrow. 🥂 (Edit: clarification/typos)

[@ni__wolf143]

Yeah flesh eating bugs are the worst, almost makes me want to stay in bed and not deal with them.

[@f-22raptorlandingzone30]

There are actually bugs like that, if I'm not mistaken, called army ants. Fuckers move around in giant colonies just eating and eating. Don't know if they can eat a person in minutes but I wouldn't doubt it

[@yoshitsune5691]

Yoo u should check out dr k on KZbin, he’s a psychiatrist that actually gives out good advice. And his videos actually help me a lot, thx to him I just finished my first year of med school. Before finding his channel I was filled with anxiety and depression. Tho if u don’t wanna check out his channel my biggest advice would try meditation.

[@thekameha1]

Especially the broken mirrors for me was very relatable in a very painful tho I've been getting better by talking to people and slowly been able to see my old self again my real self and if anyone needs to talk just ask me it'll also help me alot to help someone and make myself feel more useful

[@avagoh]

the whole door sequence around 50:29 is so clever. the noose, the voice telling you not to, the character wanting to etc. the creator got it perfext

[@X-SPONGED]

1:07 Narrator : "Get out of bed !" Mark, nonchalantly : "Ok, I'm trying" I don't think he realizes how layered that throwaway sentence he just spoke was

[@freyvalkyr8139]

Every single day

[@rebekahfunches6876]

@@freyvalkyr8139 Hey, sorry to hear that. Me too, lotsa days... Want to talk about it or anything?

[@glorialastra5775]

@@freyvalkyr8139 yup

[@theprinterdude9687]

Like Wake up Its XX:XX Wakeywakey time

[@crossplayed]

@@freyvalkyr8139 you’re not alone, same here

[@trebuchetfacts8859]

"Eat My Whole Ass" Will forever be the greatest response to anything ever. seeing as this game is about fighting depression, which I have, I whole heartedly agree and endorse this statement as the best thing to say to depression, especially with the same potency in the voice.

[@username-pf3di]

Like check ✔

[@linkholder]

Fuck my ass!

[@101Volts]

"But Mark, it's an ASSet!" I love puns. :) Don't mind me too bad, please.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Depression is an absolutely awful disease to suffer from which so, so many don't take seriously which angers me no end. It's like a permanent empty feeling leaving you utterly bereft with Jo motivation, no hope, no emotion. Just nothing. I honestly don't know what gets me out of bed every day, it's just an automatic response. But, I just think why should others enjoy their life while I don't?

[@linkholder]

@@SamuelBlack84 fuck your depression. I say that with love as I've been there, but what kept me going was the opposite of what you said. I thought if I can't be happy, I could at least help others be happy. I started volunteering for churches, helped others study, spent time with lonely people and it didn't fix it. But it did make it better. And everyday I get more and more better, and I hope you get there too.

[@nateharvey1300]

I think the “secret ending” is shown as a good ending since tackling things like depression isn’t something you can do all at once. It’s alright that the main character didn’t force himself to go outside today, because he made a lot of personal progress, and sometimes that’s enough for one day. Just getting up and getting yourself ready is a big step in the right direction sometimes, even if you don’t fully follow through. And I think it’s probably for the best that he didn’t push himself any further, we can see how overwhelming it is for him still.

[@mizlia]

Hard agree. My best friend has been helping me tackle my ADHD/depression by constantly reminding me: you don't have to do everything, you just have to do something.

[@AZ-rl7pg]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@recordsystem6447]

yep! i know that from personal experience

[@wicked_guru]

My thoughts exactly.

[@edelweiss8598]

Exactly; self-care is just as important as success. It's good to push yourself a little, but pushing too hard will just end up doing more harm than good, just like if you were working a muscle.

[@grim66]

"Going outside is clearly the objective" Because indie games, especially indie horror games, would NEVER lie to you about the true nature of your goal…

[@M0USEP0TAT0]

This video should be titled: Mark teaches people how to talk back to the negative narrator in your head.

[@A11eged1y]

Mark as a teacher: "And that, kids, is how you battle depression! Any questions? None, no questions good. Let's enjoy some fresh air outside, enjoying the moment we ARE IN. THANKYOU"

[@lavenderotaku2481]

Game: You are nothing. Mark: No. How about we don’t. FFFFFRICK YOU.

[@Dragz166]

Hell yeah 😂

[@jackofroge]

I mean, he legit is for me. I don't know why. But anytime I talk back to that negative narrator, it's always Mark's voice saying "ffffrrrriiiiiiick you, asswipe" or something. It's freak-flopping halarious.

[@andymiller1597]

Yeah it wouldn't be tolerable without him. The game kind of glorifies that negative voice and it irks me.

[@saiyan6012]

i really appreciate that 'going outside' wasn't the endgame for this. You managed to do something different with your day! You got out of bed, you washed, brushed your teeth, combed your hair, moved some clutter around, decorated a little... That's huge, and that's more than enough. Any little thing is enough as long as it's 'more than what you did yesterday.' "Don't worry, try again tomorrow!" Even baby steps eventually get you where you need/want to be.

[@luisaucedo]

Nope

[@equinoxfoxgames]

I completely agree. Even getting small things done is an accomplishment sometimes. It's important to learn to be proud of yourself and not focus too much on all of the things that need done. Focusing too much on the big goals can set you up for disappointment if you don't get it done that day. Like the game said, you're not ready yet, and that's totally fine. Just have to take the small steps until you are.

[@vaguediscomfort5720]

this game is really clever in its presentation of depression and agoraphobia. when everything feels pointless and empty, and the world outside exists only as a threat, it's important to take small steps to improve because over exerting yourself can be counterproductive. it's okay to try again tomorrow

[@kiralonely]

this this this

[@Anurepa]

This is exactly what I got from this game

[@umbreotter]

Everything really seems to remind me of myself and my experience with depression (diagnosed as "severe, non-psychotic, chronic depression"). The way you're reluctant to do just about anything, and not happy with yourself when you even get something done, the way you talk to yourself after "beating" the game, calling yourself lazy, reckless, and stupid, the intense fear of going outside, the "try again tomorrow," it all hits home. This is what serious, severe depression feels like; like everything is against you, and you don't even have your own back in this world. I'm happy this game was made, it helps people who don't deal with this level of depression understand just how it affects us. Thank you HiddenTrack.

[@AnonymousBuddha]

May I ask a question? I’ve never heard of depression being described as (non-) psychotic. What entails that? I have moderate chronic depression that mostly is caused by my OCD so my knowledge isn’t geared towards it. Please and thanks!

[@hiddenguy67]

what is it with nowadays and everyone having ocd adhd depression and throwing around these terms like a colours in a bag of skittles

[@amoraromaji4591]

I have sever Manic depression psychosis along with borderline and many other things and I agree this is one of the few good games/media that represents mental illness and what it’s like

[@i_love_games110]

​@@hiddenguy67they were diagnosed? what're you on about

[@hiddenguy67]

@@i_love_games110 I know but why now?

[@starlishkitten]

I’m actually really impressed by this game. It’s creative, and while it focuses on depression it actually doesn’t force you to wallow. It does make you struggle for progress, but that’s how living with depression is sometimes. But maintaining consistent forward progress is important, even when it’s small. I really enjoyed watching Mark tell off the game, because the game did a good job of emulating that inner voice that lives to tear you down. So I was cheering when he’d tell it to stfu, because you gotta fight the inner saboteur. Loved it.

[@cookies9236]

for me, the secret ending is like... during a depressive episode, even being awake or eating is hard. Brushing my teeth or washing my face was an accomplishment in of itself. Eating was an accomplishment. Getting up was an accomplishment. Sometimes doing so many things at once can be overwhelming and difficult. When he cleaned up and re-decorated, when he took care of himself, even standing at the front door... those are things that deserve a reward. For once he could sleep without feeling disgusting and worthless. He could feel hope, accomplishment. Breath a little easier. Maybe "tomorrow" he could stand outside for a little, get some real fresh air. It's about baby steps, one step closer every day.

[@awtar_s1ngh]

This game depicts a mind of someone that doesn't like going out (being a shut in) due to the fear of getting hurt. I can tell why it's a psychological horror. This game really depicts it well.

[@ligerfiregaming3639]

Awtar this game is very similar to the mind of a lot of people in todays age, if not afraid of others, then afraid of a sickness… really hits hard.

[@Ai_s_a01]

This game is really deep meaning

[@Hellknight101]

Yeah, as a person with depression this game is pretty accurate, considering it's based on the devs experience with it.

[@pissum420]

@@Hellknight101 It’s not just depression though. Its also agoraphobia and I think something else like the beginning said

[@Hellknight101]

@@pissum420 ah right. Is agoraphobia fear of people?

[@manpersonthehuman2681]

Mark: Stays in bed Shelf: Falls on Mark Mark later: Gets out of bed Shelf: *Understandable, have a great day.*

[@deadeyemacguire]

@@mosesagu bro gave up

[@leo_the_lizard]

@@mosesagu bro didnt even try to disguise his name

[@Juicy-KingDerp.alt.]

"bro really just ong ongfrfr" in the replies right now

[@chim-chimkerfuffles9612]

Bruh, "Juicy-KingDerp.alt. , you is straight bussin'. Fr, fr, no cap. 💀💀💀

[@pretzleg]

Thank you. Your words at the end of the video helped me alot today.

[@ahauntedpiano]

The "narrator" of the game is such a good depiction how your mind works (at least in my experience) during a depressive episode. It's derogatory, self sabotaging, and hopeless; it's so familiar and it hurts but it is validating to see it depicted like this.

[@beelzemobabbity]

It tells you to do things, like going outside, cleaning up, condemns you for not doing them sooner. but as soon as you go to do them, it shuts you down and tries to convince you to stay how you are.

[@bread4237]

@@beelzemobabbity The pain and guilt in trying to do something after being encouraged hurts so much that you just want to retreat and not try. Because trying and failing is so much more painful that giving in at the start.

[@CommissarChaotic]

Hey, that's actually pretty accurate!

[@CommissarChaotic]

Neat!

[@lunakitty953]

@@bread4237 It's not even about failing, it's about do8ng the time and just under unable to do so.

[@Reaver9991]

A lot of people are talking about the depressive side of it, but sometimes agoraphobia is closer to severe anxiety. It's hard to keep everything clean and functioning when you're comfortable in chaos, and breaking that pattern really hurts. When "outside" is the monster, you condense your entire life to "inside," regardless of whether or not you actually have the space to do it.

[@yarehs1]

yeah, a lot of the symptoms of agoraphobia often overlap with social anxiety

[@lucien3568]

having all three is a real tough one haha

[@Sekovatkain]

This game's got levels of metaphor and I feel like I relate to all of it. I've had pretty bad anxiety for months now and I literally feel like everything is about to kill me. Like I _thought_ I smelled something burning and I had to lie on the floor for a while to prevent a panic attack, after which I made sure to test my fire alarm (in the middle of the night). On top of that, this game seems to perfectly capture how hard it can be to take the steps to get ready for outside and even if you manage to take them all you might end up standing in front of the front door unwilling to step out.

[@YukaiUreshii]

Indeed. I've been diagnosed with GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, and on top of it all I am autistic. Agoraphobia was a "natural" development from the five mixing together, in a manner of speaking, as well as being painfully introverted. I cannot read people's facial expressions, I take comments literally and struggle to discern if someone is mocking, being sarcastic, or making a joke, in turn leading to me laughing in moments people consider inappropriate. Which is then worsened by my gallows and self-deprecating humor, making neurotypical people uncomfortable unless they come from a profession where such a sense of humor is required. I cannot leave the house unless one of my parents are coming with me, such as to the store. The only time I can handle being alone is when I am parking the car or running to it in order to pick them up from the front of the store--often due to exhausting themselves given they're both disabled. On the upside, thanks to COVID people no longer look at me strangely for wearing a mask alongside sunglasses and my Vibes earbuds. Although the people in the state I live in still "do not believe" in COVID and our governor is an idiot, which just skyrockets my anxiety when I see virtually no one wearing a mask. Which in turn makes it to where I do not even want to venture out to the store for fear of managing to catch it from the unvaccinated, unmasked shoppers and passing it to my parents whom are both high risk already. So many people underestimate how debilitating mental health issues can be, let alone the nuances and intricacies of it... Hm. This comment became a lot longer than I expected. Apologies for rambling a bit in response to your post--just needed to get that out, it would seem.

[@cacarolcahh]

YES!

[@sirliamgalvez5276]

Mark's not letting the game talk down to him which I love. Some people do get disheartened by the game because it's something people do deal with internally like a voice in their head but Mark is just like "Fuck you I won't let you talk me down"

[@Desugan69]

This fuck you mentallity is what helped me to ignore the voice in my head (gafe it the name ryner) luckily i don't hafe it anymore at the time being

[@goofiestghoul]

i need an internal mark

[@joshuamiller2743]

I love seeing mark play this because all the dialogue is straight up like depression talking to your mind and mark over here is just like "no shut up"

[@silverhassium0622]

1:03:45 "It's an improvement no matter what." This is one of the most important sentences someone fighting depression has to hear. Thank you, Mark ❤️ This game dove right into the mind and thoughts of someone fighting it, and I really appreciate how the video was cheerful and hopeful anyway

[@SamuelBlack84]

Sometimes, I don't have the patience of taking things one step at a time. Often I just want to smash and tear the world to pieces until it gives me what I want

[@kiralonely]

It's something that, as someone who's dealt with dysthymia from a p young age, I still have to remind myself almost daily. Just to be able to be proud of the little steps you make. Don't compare yourself to others because they're not you. They're not going through what you are, and they never will go through exactly what you do. That it's okay to not fit all the expectations people have of you, because they don't know how hard it is to just brush your teeth and hair and look presentable. You can take your time and do it at your own pace. You shouldn't expect yourself to be perfect from the get-go. It's a process that you can ramp up with time, and each step is an important step towards that point of wellbeing.

[@Oliepolie]

they have clearly never seen their results if they think its an improvement no matter what

[@deusdamnit]

@@Oliepolie Cleaning yourself up is always an improvement. It doesn't matter if you look better by conventional standards, the point is that you are taking an active step towards bettering yourself. Removing dirt, combing your hair (removing knots, clearing dandruff, combing out dead hair, etc.), putting on clean clothes, washing your body, etc. When you have depression, there are days where you literally cannot feel motivated enough to get out of bed. Where feeding yourself is so emotionally exhausting that you physically can't do it. So, yes, no matter what, just taking the time to do it is an improvement. It's a step moving in the right direction, a win when you feel like you can't do anything but lose. Clearly, you haven't experienced depression. Learn to read the room.

[@josephboughton8273]

deusdamnit I totally agree and I feel like the people who don’t understand the game haven’t experienced real deep debilitating depression. Depression so bad that it takes every ounce of strength to just get up, but your body literally won’t let you sleep any more, so you have no choice but to get up. You can’t blame the people who have never experienced it to understand it completely, but that’s how hard it is. This isn’t a comment to tear people down it’s to simply explain what it’s like to be in the mind of a depressed person. Also is this game talking about externally caused depression or clinical depression because those are two different things to combat. Clinical depression doesn’t really have an external cause you are just constantly fighting your brain chemistry which there is no easy fix for that.

[@4ng3lv3rmin]

the fact that mark kept getting mad at the narrorater legit helped me rethink some of my negative deppression thoughts similar to those. mark is legit saving lives out here

[@p3talsdotpng]

Same! I feckin love mark. He's helped me through a lot of bad times

[@saltydinonuggies1841]

Yeah! Marks great! 😂 I call my depression voice Kevin because its really hard to take it seriously. Others choose to name it Kyle or Chad or Karen too.

[@Lucifronz]

Indeed. Treat your rude inner monologue the way Markiplier would. lol

[@4ng3lv3rmin]

@@saltydinonuggies1841 i just named mine dumbass but those work too lmao.

[@swysux6217]

@@saltydinonuggies1841 what exactly is a depression voice? I’ve been diagnosed with depression for nearly 4 years now and not once have I heard a “voice”. Also Google shows nothing

[@doge229]

Markiplier: "Yes I'll stick my arm into the trash and the toilet!" Me: *West of Loathing Flashbacks*

[@xelj3294]

As soon as the option to rummage in the trash was presented, I knew there was only one way this was gonna go down.

[@incognitogirl6201]

YES! That was my exact thought! Lol

[@vixianas8827]

West of Loathing is such a treasure.

[@eldriopossum]

you just made me look back at the series and i saw it was posted four years ago and i just had a mental breakdown cause i thought it came out a year ago and now i feel old KAMWMQNA

[@yeah_semthing]

Oh god not again...

[@kelseywu4319]

Depression: you're not a very good person Mark: EAT MY WHOLE ASS

[@DrOswald03]

One of the many reasons marks the best

[@JB-pu6ek]

Man I need my own personal Mark as a hype man to get me through the day. I'm playing this game on hard mode.

[@JoannaFox-eb6vz]

Anyone gonna talk about the phrase. "It's Porn o'clock" No? Okay.

[@v0lny886]

53:26 for anyone wondering

[@delanie9421]

the part where mark was walking through the house when the eyes were staring at him and he was saying “we’re ok, we are ok, we are fine, stay focused.” is exactly how i feel dealing with my anxiety.

[@_gonehome_]

i relate

[@clara.p]

hello unus :)

[@vinylcreeks]

Same tbh

[@FreedomToFrance]

The phrase “try again tomorrow” really hit too close most days I give myself goals but I’m just too tired so I just say “I’ll try again tomorrow “ it truly is a cycle that’s so hard to break out

[@coffeepowered6033]

This. I've literally been telling myself I'm gonna sort my shit out for about five years now, every day I just say I'll start the next day. The accuracy hits

[@Trenzalore394]

Two things I love about this game: The comments are full of people sharing their own experiences. Hell, even Mark was talking from experience. The game itself also described it really well. I agree with the others in the comments, that the secret ending is the true ending, the accomplishment of taking care of yourself for the day. I do want to say one other thing, though. I also have depression, and the only reason I haven't fallen into those pits for long is because of the "Fuck You" energy that Mark was showing throughout the game. I tell people that everything I do, I've done in spite. They think I'm joking, but I'm not. I persist in spite of what others have told me, and in spite of what my own mind tells me regularly. I've been told it's not a healthy mindset. But depression is numb, it's not sad, at least not for me. It's numb and cold. And numbness leads to inactivity. I channel that numbness into anger, anger is hot and gets me moving. It's not healthy, but it works.

[@georgia2321]

I don’t think the spite is unhealthy, I think it’s our subconscious knowing that the things we’ve heard and the thing that our unhealthy mind tries to tell us aren’t actually the truth. I think it’s the *real* us fighting thru the darkness. And any victory, even the ones we do in spite, are valid and worth celebrating 💛

[@r.j.penfold]

It may not be healthy but it works, and one day you might be able to reach a healthier mindset. Your progress is something to take pride in. I wish you all the best.

[@dolopdieren]

This reminded me of Murphy's war law. If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid. You have to persist in existing, things will gradually get better. One day you'll find out you won't need anger anymore to fight your depression. Good luck! We believe in you.

[@jimbomyboy9679]

My therapist said anger is just the feeling you get when you know you aren't being treated right, so i'd say that this isn't necessarily a bad approach

[@samuel-rw3xt]

I prefer anger over sadness and numbness too , and if you control your anger so you don't fell burnout or destroy anything , It is actually pretty healthy , because you can get rid of the frustrations , same thing about crying , sometimes you need to cry the same way that sometimes you need to fell anger , you need all your emotions to keep on going through life you just need to be careful to not really to much on them

[@MedbayGaming]

The ending really is perfect, it embodys not just the entire games premise, but depression and agoraphobia in general. The thing is, on the outside it can seem easy, like do your laundry, basic hygiene, clean up after yourself... But the game helps visualize the concept of how hard it is to achieve these feats. How much you have to go back and forth just to get one thing accomplished, all along with the negative and predatory thoughts. At the end of the day, actually going outside isn't the goal, the goal is to make progress, any progress is still an improvement. Sure, at the end of the day you still crael back into bed, but with the secret ending, it's not a cop out 'oh you're just in bed again' because it's not. It's comfy, and it feels better than ever, not because you 'earned the right to rest' But because you feel accomplishment in the improvements that you've made.

[@Katharoni]

I like how Mark hates the narrator, constantly insulting him, belittling him, but honestly? To me, I just recognized it as the inner thoughts of the character he played as, because I know my thoughts say the same things to me.

[@jkennith]

My thoughts too.

[@jennytaylor3986]

Honestly, I've used talking back that way to my inner thoughts as a coping mechanism from time to time. "Wow, what a failure" "Yeah, no we're not. I literally finished an entire art piece/cleaned the bathroom/etc. today" "Boy how stupid are you?" "Not very I think. That was a really stupid thing to do, but I'm going to learn from it" "Hey, let's drink some of that bleach!" "Or we could NOT die a horrible painful death." Sometimes talking back helps. Sometimes distraction is better. Depends on the inner thought and the things going on around me. Anyway, try it on sometime and see how it fits.

[@RustyNips]

@@jennytaylor3986 "I wonder how painful a death drinking bleach would be and would it taste good?" "That is very Interesting it is probably very painful but it's probably not worth it to try and find out how it tastes" *an actual convo I had in my head before lol

[@cexilady3333]

@@jennytaylor3986 same, exactly same

[@sadrabbit53]

Always pushing you yet never satisfied, even when you do what it wants

[@jprofio]

That narration is on point for a depression inner voice. Even when you succeed it finds a way to frame it negatively. Also, I think the bees are another part of depression and anxiety; when I get a bad episode, I get this jittery, racing feeling that I've described before as "feeling like I'm full of bees". Opening the jar of bees is just giving into that feeling instead of bottling it up.

[@tatilibero3]

I always said my anxiety felt like an ocean in my stomach. It churns and spins when I'm anxious and I can't breathe so it's like I may be drowning. I said this to my doctor once and she said, mine feels like bees. I hadn't heard someone else say that before. I guess we all feel the surge of almost electricity in our veins different.

[@jprofio]

@@tatilibero3 I get what you mean by feeling like drowning, too. Mine gets ups and downs in a really quick spike during episodes--I get an hour or two of the bees then crash down into that kinda drowning ocean feeling

[@sadrabbit53]

Fr. "Hey, you did a thing, you showered--" :D "--but it doesn't matter anyway and you're just going to get dirty again so what was even the point" D:

[@KayskolA]

Going to bed really was the good ending. AND HERES WHY. Because when it comes to depression and other similar disorders, it's about slow progress and taking it a day at a time. Just because you are feeling a bit better, doesn't mean you have to push yourself to try and meet the end goal head on, ultimately leading to an anxiety attack or the like. Because that is just going to put you back at square 1. It's about accepting small victories and allowing yourself to take breaks. Think about it. The player never really sleeps. In the end, the good ending was being ok with letting themself sleep and take a break comfortably, because he worked hard and did a good job. The character did it. They started. They made that comfy spot after working hard and facing their demons. The character doesn't have to clean up the whole house in order to have had a productive day. For those who are DEEP in depression, often a starting point in getting better is just learning how to be kind to themselves. Got out of bed? Brushed your hair? Had a glass of water? This is cause to celebrate. Little victories. If this person were working with a therapist on what the goal of therapy was, going outside might have been the big overall goal. The real meat would have been -getting out of bed at least 3 times a week. -take a bath/ clean up at least once a week -have at least one good meal everyday. You start out with the big stuff. You work on it bit by bit. Small victories build up to bigger ones.

[@rannma1]

Thank you for this. I wish I could thank everyone, and there's really nothing stopping me from doing that, but your comment was the one that really got to me hardest. It's hard... it's really, really hard. I have goals, ideals, wishes hopes dreams and so many things that I WANT to do... but I never have the motivation... or the energy... "maybe tomorrow". Reading again what you said, what other have said, I need to change the way I look at it all. Stop looking at the distant goals of where I _WANT_ to be, but look at the closer ideas, and get to where I _CAN_. Brush my hair, brush my teeth, shower once a day. If it's to much, there's nothing wrong with laying down, but I have to do at least one thing before I can. Make *THAT* the new routine. One thing a day, and if you're up to it, maybe do two things, and keep doing that, until one day you're doing five things a day, and now you want to try something new. So much has happened in my life in the last four months, and I only have the rest of my life to make it better than before. One step at a time. One small victory. Just one at a time.

[@jamison85]

Turning your hovel into a home is a big step, otherwise there's always that feeling that you're running away from the pile of work waiting at home for you. Taking care of yourself, and accepting that you're worth taking care of is the first step of many. Absolutely agree that it starts with small victories and kicking bad habits.

[@spacefreak5064]

@@rannma1 I feel you... I was where you are atm I wish you all the best and lots of love

[@DataMembrain]

I love this comment because the game really does that well. Just watching Mark play it helped me drag myself out of bed and feed myself on a day where My depression made me feel like I couldn’t leave my bed before 7 pm. So much respect for the game maker!

[@ChadVitaEnjoyer]

@@rannma1 Well fucking said. I'm going to get better. I'll celebrate all the things I've done and not worry about what I haven't.

[@gravel4553]

Mark:dies by bees Game: insults him for opening the bee jar Mark: shut your who're mouth. Forever will be my favorite Markiplier phrase

[@Burning_Cypher]

Game: *adds jar of bees for no real reason that mark didn’t find* Mark: WHATARETHEBEESFOR?!

[@eengybeengy]

Maybe to make the plant happier 🥺

[@dethfan06]

B to blow?

[@darkestlune9580]

Maybe just to trick him that one time?

[@lukeoates1248]

Maybe for the eyes in that one rook, or the plant Edit: Room, I obviously meant room

[@sorainsmash2037]

i was thinking he lets them out when he goes out the front door by holding them or something

[@snaketails7632]

the game : "you can't stay in bed forever" Mark: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED the game : ok now ur dead

[@SerpentStare]

I'm actually really pleased there's an interesting result for that.

[@thorgidogofthunder]

the game: oh, you wanna sleep forever? *say no more.*

[@electricspider2267]

i find it weird that i get bothered when people use the wrong your/you're. but when they say "ur" i'm perfectly fine with it. because ur can mean your (single syllable ur) and you're (double syllable U-R). I'm so picky with your/you're that i can even hear the difference and get bothered when people verbally say the wrong your. "You're" kinda sounds like it has 2 syllables but it's really just 1, kinda like the "kyo" part of "Tokyo". I probably just unlocked the next level of grammarnazi for you if you already were one... sorry. also i once saw "u're" and i'm trying really hard to reject that because then i'll start getting annoyed by the wrong "ur". I really don't want another [i guess phobia, idk]. also another weird thing that's sorta weird is when people say "it's" when they mean "its" really bothers me like a lot. but if they use "its" instead of "it's" i'm kinda ok with it because i know that the apostrophe can be a tad bit dangerous as it is right next to the "Enter" key and I know i dont wanna send a comment or message too early because i accidentally grazed the enter button. And so in my mind it's like OK, That's understandable. but "It's" will always be "it is" in my mind and i cant change that and it throws me off when i read it and they used it wrong. Plus using the apostrophe takes conscious effort. They put that much effort into it just to annoy people like us, grammarnazis. I didn't used to be like this. Knowledge has power but it also has sorrow. The more you know, the less you wonder. You seek too much knowledge, you become saddened by what it reveals.

[@turtlesrprettycool3379]

@@electricspider2267I ain’t reading allat

[@hanzapan]

@@turtlesrprettycool3379sameeee

[@chaicreationsCA]

As someone who struggles with deep depression, the secret ending makes sense to me. The mc worked hard, and deserves rest. Pushing himself all the way can be counterproductive, and fresh air is metaphorical rather than literal. He didn’t need to go outside when he felt so incredibly anxious about it, he improved his mind and made it feel safe. He felt a moment of relaxation. When every day is a struggle, a day of self-care is a step in the right direction.

[@gamingmosho]

Yeah, I would say the game shows in a way how people like us who struggles with Depression or any other mental health issue.

[@TheRedstonian]

From how he looks like he's gasping for breath in the ending where you force him to open the door, I think that ending is him having a panic attack in bed. It really is just too much to do everything all at once.

[@kinagrill]

Small steps basically. reach a point where you feel you've done something that makes it feel earned to rest... to be calm. to not feel like you're about to suffocate.

[@redninjakitty14neko26]

yeah and i have other mental illnesses too and stuff so honestly just truing to do my bedding (that is clean at the foot of my bed) is exhausting

[@SabgrenCo]

He's sleeping on a field... No tomorrow. Bells at the ending. The secret ending is about death, and how that's the final rest for the protagonist. The signs there are pretty clear. It's a very depressing game.

[@extremis5002]

Mark screaming ''EAT MY WHOLE ASS'' made my day. This game is terrifyingly relatable to me, and Mark is just the positive thoughts of the main character.

[@jackalex08]

53:17 for anyone wanting the time stamp

[@danielpagan7311]

The EXACT moment mark used the screwdriver on the lamp socket my house lost power. Needless to say I shit my pants.

[@doggo1690]

I couldn’t imagine lol

[@carsonisoffline5077]

was it fun?

[@michaelneizan]

Goddamit mark, stop turning off the power

[@alyssadonaldson6646]

sceery

[@unusedname2283]

Whoops, you died

[@patchworkghost3229]

small little detail that I noticed, when you die a clapping and cheering sound effect plays. I assume it symbolises the players suicidal tendencies, or maybe the player thinks people would be happy if they died.

[@eeee8222]

or maybe just sarcasm

[@RoseOnFire]

Yeah I interpreted it as sarcasm from the narrator

[@RoseOnFire]

Your interpretations are good too tho!

[@patchworkghost3229]

@@RoseOnFire why thank you :)

[@patchworkghost3229]

@@RoseOnFire yeah I thought it was just like haha funny you died but its cool to speculate on it having deeper meaning

[@makkieta-static7960]

Logically and realistically, that voice is indeed a sack of shit and relentless. But tbh if you understand and suffer with depression, the voice actually… makes sense. I can’t argue with my voice. Even if it calls me terrible things, but the greyness and dullness that is depression makes it seem like mere conversation. You don’t feel hurt by it, you just go along with it. The symbolism for trying again every day only to get a ‘death’ is terrifying. Makes sense as to why people don’t like looking to tomorrow. Tomorrow can be just as disappointing as today. This game is incredibly well done and tbh, I wish I had a Mark to help with his soothing voice. It feels genuine. Can’t trust many voices these days. Props to the creator and I hope they’ve gotten out of that hellhole that is depressy head.

[@wrlds1733]

P

[@ya_done]

@@wrlds1733 ♥️

[@saltylake3241]

You've got that depressing inner voice down to a T. So true. It can be saying shit absolutely insane and mean, but to you it's just an everyday numb feeling.

[@Missdreavus1]

What’s worse is, even if you *know* that voice is lying, you know the scientific reason you’re thinking these things, and you even understand the layers of everything going on with your head…that voice still feels like the real “truth.” Like it’s the only thing giving you facts, and everything else is lies.

[@jacksonlee6760]

Words well spoken

[@CelestialSodapop]

I know he’s just reading a line but I had no idea I needed Markiplier saying “It’s okay. Try again tomorrow.” softly until I watched this.

[@lemaggerooty6448]

I love the noise the narrator makes when his dialogue is being typed, its so satisfying and metallic

[@Cat_is_dead888]

interesting... to me it sounded very loud and annoying, but so is the voice in my head, so maybe that's why i hated it.

[@Shythalia]

Almost sounds like a typewriter.

[@classiccj2569]

The best quote I've ever heard, not just from Markiplier, but from really anywhere. It's just so genuine and he actually means it. "That's the thing, it- it's the days when you're not feeling great that you really gotta push through, but it's easy on days when you feel fine... it's easy.. It's hard when you're not." This quote really touched me

[@DoktorSkyllex]

Its so sad when you remember this game was inspired by toughts and feelings creator had while beeing depressed. Game theme is so dark, it shows how simple things in life can become almost impossible to do and every day starts to look like a horror game when you start losing yourself. This is one really well done game and it reminds us how hard depression can be and that it must be taken seriously.

[@katarinavlaovic2613]

Yeah depression is really serious 😭

[@paisleesheppard5629]

Living it right now, internally screaming at myself why I can't even be bothered to wash one plate or a bunch of spoons... Yup, this is so realistic it makes me feel very odd, as if I could've made this but forgot. (I didn't btw)

[@ligerfiregaming3639]

It is, I know myself and a lot of loves ones who have struggled or are still struggling with this. All you can do is spread some light and love in their lives.

[@ligerfiregaming3639]

@@paisleesheppard5629 are you okay?

[@ferngranberg8277]

@@paisleesheppard5629 im livin in it too, its taking a toll on me, i barely get out if bed

[@inferniss]

I think the issue with the way mark interpreted this is that he had the ability to power through on those tough days. For a lot of us, we aren't so lucky. I like that this game doesn't tell you to give up, it says to try again, because giving up is what really defeats you, but its important to know when it's not smart to push yourself.

[@ShortHax]

Only a couple of minutes in, I realize I can solve my depression using my anxiety

[@adamwillard8001]

Me: yay anxiety is actually useful for once :/

[@CamrynsCameras]

The only way

[@failingeverything5793]

Me who's trapped in a constant loop of anxiety and depression: Yeah... I don't think you want to do that

[@QuestionThePeople]

@YeaMan get gud

[@QuestionThePeople]

@KelvinBB get gud

[@colekiesler6218]

Markiplier: “Everything actually kills you in this game.” Me: “Well that makes even more sense for the title.”

[@bionicdragon5]

Game creator: "This is a game about isolation and crippling depression." Mark Fishbaugh: "It's *PORN* o' clock!"

[@blackdecker20vmaxleafblower]

@WoLFNardz BlueSparkz bro lemme get on your level😃

[@KiLiM4NJ0]

@хамлук The Lad deleted his comments or smth?

[@KiLiM4NJ0]

@хамлук Oh and what was happening here?

[@KiLiM4NJ0]

@хамлук Damn was that lad on crack or something?

[@anchovybushwack472]

Sounds about right to me

[@ari-b8w]

MARK....... OMG..... watching this all the way through and listening to marks aggressive confidence and pure understand of depression is just... MWAH! Like Im pulling an all nighter, due to a stupid depression episode and this guy just slaps me in the face with "WHAT ARE THE BEES FOR?????!!!!" thank you for being by far the best youtuber I have ever watched!

[@churro6160]

❤

[@unholyheretik]

It's the idea of "Taking it slow, but taking it." the idea that anything worth doing is worth doing poorly. You got out of bed. You got changed. You ate. You brushed your teeth. You brushed your hair. Sure, you didn't go outside, but that's because today it was too hard. You went upstairs, you went back to bed but its *okay*. Because there's always tomorrow. You can try again tomorrow. Don't push yourself to do it all today. Tomorrow will be there when you're ready. The good ending IS the good ending. You take care of yourself until something is too much. But you took care of yourself at all. That's the important part.

[@applezauze]

Well said

[@kaileenabonaduce227]

While that is true, it can also be a trap. Planning to do everything difficult, everything that takes work, everything that you need to push yourself to do tomorrow means you'll never accomplish it. It's a crutch. And crutches can help you heal. But spend your whole life on crutches and you'll never be able to walk forward on your own.

[@jaycruz1]

@@kaileenabonaduce227 Just an insight but what if this specific ending is only the start of, say, a more healthier lifestyle. Sure you didn’t come out and stayed into your comfort zone, but you organized yourself so that you could do much better in the long run. Perhaps things aren’t exactly done in a day, and this specifically was shown as a start to think more positively than you initially were. I could still be wrong but that’s my thoughts on this one

[@wickthetrickster461]

I'd have to beg to differ. The "Good" ending just shows our character here once again giving into the narrator, aka the badgering voice in our head that shackles us into the mindset that we are useless. Taking it at face value it makes absolutely zero sense for us to listen to this badgering narrator at the very end of things and most people clearly chose not to... and we get punished for doing so, despite how before hand this narrator never had our best interest at heart and exists to put us down at every curve... But even in the context of this narrator personifying the thoughts of someone who is depressed and is not in control of those thoughts, and Im speaking as someone who HAS gone through this and even spent 2 years of my life as a shut in... The fact that the player is presented our hyper exaggerated worse case scenario for stepping outside is such a terrible message to send to people. Don't get me wrong, that first step to facing your fear and stepping out into the real world again is terrifying and the hardest part of the journey to bettering oneself... But once you take that step it slowly becomes clear how groundless that fear is and how absurd that voice in your head is. To have this admittedly grand build up of surpassing these little failures and trying again, pushing a little further with each nonsensical death only to invalidate the whole process and making you feel only a little better by just collapsing in your bed personally infuriated me because... Yes it's easy to tell yourself you made small victories and made those pushes forward... But what does it mean if you're still making the same mistakes, not taking on the bigger hurdles and resigning yourself to the smaller ones? The thing is, this narrator... That voice in your head? It's not your friend. It does not truly have your best interest at heart, it only wants you to supply the minimum amount of dopamine through escapism while feeding you lies about the world around you... But while it is hard, it is possible to push through it, to not let your thoughts control you. Instead the author claims we're better off in this loop with the occasional small win. I've seen people who choose this, saying that they're fighting depression their own way... But it's a trap. That huge hurdle isn't gonna be any easier to clear tomorrow then it is today, so instead of resigning yourself to this idea that one day you'll magically have the strength to try that hurdle... I think people should realize they ALWAYS have thay strength. They always at any time have the capacity to change and begin their journey to a better mindset.

[@unholyheretik]

@@wickthetrickster461 In the game, going outside is a bad end. You should never push yourself to the point of panic, or it being so much that you can't function. Your options are to go to sleep, or to go outside; a bad end. The voice in your head is still you, there is nobody else in your head but you. I've struggled with depression for years, and all I gained by forcing myself when it was too much was a big pile of absolutely nothing. You don't improve by hurting yourself. That's not how it works.

[@nicolehillis8058]

I know I'm late but just wanted to give 2 cents. As someone who struggles with their mental health, the creator of this game did a phenomenal job on representing the struggles. There was so many things Mark said that some of us could really relate to. Even if Mark didn't really think that deep while saying those words. When Mark was talking back to the narrator, I cried cause it felt like he was talking to the voice in my head. The one who was just like the narrator in this game. This was an amazing game and Mark did a phenomenal job. For all those who related to the game just as much as I did, there's a lot to look forward to. Things can seem hopeless for so long but one day, we'll breathe that fresh air. Much love to y'all!!

[@sarah258595]

i think the secret ending pairs well with the eye room. there's stuff in that room you can obviously say you SHOULD be doing! don't ignore important paperwork! make sure to exercise! pursue a creative hobby! _go outside._ but you're punished for doing them in that moment. you can't do everything in a single day, certainly not with depression. imo the secret ending is that instead of going out, you spent the day making your living space nicer. that's a good and attainable day project and you deserve a nice dream for getting it done!

[@Jdirjrbtbjdi]

i played through all endings the fourth one is killing yourself

[@EddieKat]

This comment is so damn accurate, it should be much more highly rated.

[@heathers2581]

I definitely think it's important to leave the house if you've been mentally stuck but also, it's incredibly important to celebrate the small victories, bc they are major.

[@PhoenyxVoldaren]

Making your living space nicer is definitely one of the first steps to climbing your way out of depression. Just waking up to a clean room is enough to give me the strength I need to do something productive before sleeping straight through the next 3 days without moving.

[@Birdsong231]

YES! If your living space isn't clean, you're going to hate living. You need to clean it. Otherwise, you're gonna latch onto a specific place that _is_ clean. You'll never want to return home because it's just chaos. It's an extremely dangerous form of escapism. My mum was exactly like this... And it directly affected me. She left me alone at home. For hours, well into the night... I was always so scared. It felt like abandonment. Going outside is great, yes, but a clean home is far, far more important. It's where you live. Where you wake up everyday. Where you start your mornings, if you have the energy to even do so. If your living space is chaotic, then your mind will remain the same.

[@StarlightGleam]

Mark knowing instinctively something is wrong because he didn’t get to use the bees is so funny to me

[@greenshirt2077]

I struggle with OCD, depression, and anxiety. (diagnosed around the age of 8) This game was able to give a very good visual depiction (in my opinion) of what it’s like living with mental illness. All the dark things, the “what ifs”, and the taunting/insulting/intrusive little voices in your head. But it was that first bit that really stuck out for me, something I struggled with just this morning. Getting out of bed to face the unknowns. It’s unappealing on the best days and terrifying on the worst, because it means you have to face all the scary and exhausting things life throws at you. It marks the beginning of a day filled with stress and anxiety attacks. For many years I let my mental illness get the best of me, I’m proud to say I finally walked out that door in a metaphorical way. In three months I’ll be leaving my home and my family for the first time in my life to do community service work in different states. It’s scary, but I’m doing my best to make it exciting as well. I still have a long ways to go in my mental health journey, but I’m really happy with how far I’ve come and what I’ve been able to achieve. I’m 22 years old now, and I never thought I would get this far if I’m being honest. I guess I’m writing all this to let others know that, like Mark said, pushing through on the days that are the hardest is when you need to do it the most. I believe in you guys, I really do. Go on and get out of bed.

[@dee_fandomking5658]

I can understand people’s questioning of the “good ending” being get back into bed but, I feel like it might come from the mentality of genuinely expending the energy of having gone through all of that personal upkeep work that day and the attempts to take care of yourself and your home, that it is significantly better to get into bed and sleep than it is to risk the emotional toll of going outside. Sometimes the breath of fresh air IS going to bed with even a sliver of pride in yourself and being able to sleep without insurmountable guilt and stress. It’s genuinely a freeing and positive experience that I think counts as a good ending for some people because it’s much healthier than pushing themselves too far cause they think they have to, or should to be seen as a functional human being. Obviously not sure what the game author wanted to express, but this is what I think :)

[@jessycastoepker]

10000% agree. Even when I stay inside my house all day, if I accomplish things and have some pride, I can lay down at night feeling better about myself and "allow" myself to relax a bit.

[@sadlittleratboy]

I felt the same way! If you're struggling and finally manage to clean yourself up and eat, and ESPECIALLY clean up, sometimes you have to accept that win! Now you get to rest, and you can try to get further tomorrow

[@dogert66]

The happy ending felt right to me too. I came to the comments to voice that constant pushing to try to do what everyone else does, isn't always the right answer or the healthy thing to do. Glad I'm not the only one who recognized that.

[@Dove77879]

Yes. This was exactly my thought. After a long day of battling your demons and fighting to get things done around the house, just basic upkeep to keep things from completely falling apart, going outside and doing things just isn't possible sometimes and some rest really is needed.

[@jamilleyomtown]

Oh my gosh. You can explained it well

[@macaroni_enjoyer]

it's kinda heartwrenching to see these minimum-effort every day tasks and realize how easy they are to complete for some, even when I can hardly bring myself to do them. when put into this kind of perspective, it kinda makes you take into account how much depression messes with you, even at such a small level as making your bed in the mornings

[@PhobicRaptor740]

It’s kind of weird to hear people say this, in my head it’s kind of the opposite, I just kind of thought these things were always difficult for everyone for a while, and it sounded weird when I realized people find them easy to do.

[@random.ars0nist_410]

Mark talking back to the voice genuinely made me happy

[@WhereAmIAndWhy]

Right near the end, where he was like "don't worry about tomorrow, just enjoy the moment. You earned it" I need that for constant motivation

[@ScaryTeacher3DGaming]

This game really depicts it well. This game depicts a mind of someone that doesn't like going out due to the fear of getting hurt. it's a psychological horror. 🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@micaiahdupre-aguiar8753]

Wtf

[@bigurethra]

Why does your channel exist

[@DraconicAux]

What the actual hell is your channel?

[@heavygaming6596]

Cringe

[@karadimmu9510]

Nicely described there.

[@chibiemmi]

As someone who has had severe depression for over 10 years, I appreciate that secret ending. My therapist tells me that, on my bad days, it's okay if I only do something small. If I get out of bed - that's something i should be proud of. Even if I end up going back to my bed, i got out in the first place and that's what matters.

[@NotGoingBackHarrisWalz2024]

❤❤

[@chipiseth_is_taken]

wholesome

[@ennojohan]

Yeah, I get that. Even doing something as simple as getting up one on of those shitty, bleak and dark days makes me feel so much better. I don't go outside on those days, but I do things in the safety of the walls I live inside that make me feel better, and that encourage me to go outside the next day, when I'm ready to.

[@twistedoldloony]

Yeah EVERY step is an important step! Unfortunately a lot of people who have never experienced it have a hard time thinking that baby steps are much of anything. Hopefully this kind of game can touch those people and show them what reality can be like for someone who suffers from depression and/or chronic illness.

[@sabrinagriffin1637]

As someone who deals with agoraphobia/depression, it was weirdly encouraging when the game started in with some very realistic self-criticism and Mark just did not take that sh!t

[@AlexiasShado]

As another really struggling agoraphobic, would you like to make a connection and support one another?

[@MissManday]

This is an accurate depiction of depression. The voice talking to you is your own head, trying to tear you down.

[@CthulhuianBunny]

"It's hard to see through all the dark, murky liquid. Reach inside?" This game's narrator clearly doesn't realize that it's dealing with Mark "Spittoon Excavator" Fischbach.

[@r.j.penfold]

That's all I was thinking of every time he chose to stick his hands into everything.

[@eppssilon]

Man that game was a treat, hopefully we'll have a let's play like that soon, i want to laugh hard

[@ororo94]

I was thinking about this too

[@xSkysilver]

Why do I still remember that?

[@r.j.penfold]

@@xSkysilver cuz it's super memorable?

[@chrissycurtis4152]

Oh my God... the fresh air wasn't about going outside... its about feeling an ability to actually breathe properly after achieving something. Being able to finally relax, and feel safe.

[@Sir_Bucket]

Yeah but it's also very important to go outside for your mental health.

[@weast2123]

@@Sir_Bucket when capable. Not everyone lives in a good environment to be outside. I'm agoraphobic, and don't live in a pretty town by any means. So just getting by is all I can do for now. And it's the same for many others.

[@grimes558]

I think you're looking too far into it I think the main character genuinely just wanted some fresh air in his lungs.

[@Yeah-wt1mu]

I think the house is a metaphor for your own mind. You can’t escape it, all you can do is take care of it. But because the guy in the game’s mind is messed up, it’s hard to perform simple tasks, which effects his ability to take care of his physical form if that makes sense

[@Pythonhier]

"Plungers are to plunge drains, not sockets." "Use Plunger on wooden box?" *Opens Box*. Okay Shut In, I see the game you're playing.

[@DokiDokibo]

What game are they playing?

[@trexindominus8119]

@@DokiDokibo Shut In 2: Shut Up

[@The_Jumping_Box]

Isn't it cos Mark put water on the box? The heavy lid works cos of the steam Plungers need water for suction iirc

[@kittycatdays8719]

TheJumpingBox i dont think necessarily? But in this case most likely. Its gotta be a sticky-ish surface or a hard one that the plunger can suck onto.

[@Threebuges]

The point was to take a rest and not put too much pressure on your shoulders for doing good. It's progressive, so after doing more than what you're used to, you need to rest and not over do it or you'll get overwhelmed and sink back into the low you've been in. The real outside was inner clarity. Sleeping with a clear concious. Not constantly hoping tomorrow will be better, but enjoying today and being satisfied with how much you've done already. The goal wasn't exactly to leave, but to escape the low of your life that holds you down

[@selfdestructivecat4922]

I loved watching Mark play. Him arguing with the voice, which most of us know way too personally, was almost like him fighting off those bad thoughts himself. It was kinda comforting in that way.

[@Havokwreaker]

We all need to embrace our inner Mark voice to rebuke those negative thoughts.

[@frostbite0707]

Mark: What are the bees for? Me everytime he asks: the plant.

[@holdensingleton4719]

I was driving me bloody crazy and I’m not even from England.

[@NeonIsAGamer]

nice

[@ryan-cochran]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH

[@LilithXXX01]

After that, it would pollinate the flower?

[@prettykitty39]

It is funny because he says at one point 'maybe for the flower?' but he had already picked it at that point.

[@envysart797]

I don’t think going outside actually is the answer, as the game says, not all things are that simple. I’ve been on antidepressants for years, and its not as simple as just leaving the house on a bad day, it genuinely is a struggle.

[@SamuelBlack84]

The worst thing is life having no meaning. Life as a whole is meaningless anyway, but we all need a purpose for each of our lives. You watch the world continue on day after day revelling in its happiness while you yourself just wander the outskirts of life, haunting it longing to live yourself. But, everything you try leads to a dead end. Work, friendship and romance. It's just continual rejection from all three sources over and over again no matter what you do to change it. It makes you feel as if being born was a mistake, that the world never wanted you here and all kinds of motivational speeches don't help. All you have is to wait for a change that will never happen which would only change slightly for the worse if you tried force

[@DemarcusCousins_III]

@@SamuelBlack84 I'm just gonna say you can never wait for a change and ot actually happen, when I was in a bad state with weight and mental health I waited for a change and it never happened until I actually made the effort to change so yeah you can't wait and have it work

[@DemarcusCousins_III]

@@SamuelBlack84 romance, friendship and work has never left me into a dead end I dunno what you mean, and life is meaningful

[@SamuelBlack84]

@@DemarcusCousins_III In terms of romance women don't want to know no matter how I present myself and in terms of work nobody talks to me either and everyone has found pitiful faults in all my work The trouble with your loathsome little planet is no matter what you do in life you have to please someone in life and everyone has impossible standards that dor some reason everyone thinks I'm not up to the task The arrogant bastards!!! I'm the best version of myself and if nobody likes it, then tough because I'm not here to please anyone

[@deotexh]

​@@DemarcusCousins_III Meaningful in what? Your own perception. If you don't see any value in any of these 3 things, what is MAKING it meaningful? You're just going to live in a house, working 5 days out of 7, have money to survive and buy things that is merely pleasant and enjoyable to you, have relationships that seems to have something missing in them to make them concrete. If you're more eating shits than good why bother continue to live, or spend your energy to turn this shit into "shit with spices" to make it taste better. Saying that "life is meaningful" is a perfectly right statement...As long as you use this state in a context specifically aiming towards your life

[@CrimmyZinny]

This video is so comforting for some reason. I've struggled with depression my whole life, and this video game almost captures it perfectly. Your commentary of understanding and pushing through brings me warmth. I'm very late to this video, but I've watched it many times and now I'm finally deciding to comment on it. Thank you Mark, and keep up the good work!!!

[@hypeasaurusrex3422]

My guess is the point of the game is being satisfied with small victories, not getting caught up in being perfect, or getting everything you wanted to get done in a day. If there is a better ending where the character gets to go outside and not be plagued by the voice in their head, it would just teach that depression can be "fixed," and that's not reality. Sometimes that what depression is. Winning small battles by simply taking care of yourself.

[@randomancrossoverfan]

It’s different for everyone, I suppose. In my case the thing that breaks a cycle of defeatism and self doubt is accomplishing something (I can’t be useless if I’ve done something to help someone else, can I?)

[@kaincrow9624]

“Reach inside the toilet? GOD YES.” Good to see that the king of spittoons still resides in his soul

[@SilverWolfcrafts]

Omg I forgot about west of loathing lol that was so funny just the pure joy of him finding the spittoons priceless

[@teefforbrainz]

This game is a very good representation of depression, a horror game is just perfect. Mark gives me a little motivation to go through my own haunted house ya know?

[@manylittlefish693]

haunted house....? haunted by youuuuu.....!! (i mean this in a friendly way)

[@lotustea6806]

I agree intensely. There were so many lines in this game that i relate with and go, "wow, thats extremely accurate"

[@Hellknight101]

Me too honestly. This game hit me and the outside perspective of Mark kinda helps.

[@smellysuorra]

1. this game does an excellent job representing what it intended to. very well done! 2. mark thanking the plant for the flower is unbelievably wholesome.

[@danaondrackova3431]

*game visible shaming himself* Depressed people: yup you are right Mark: SHUT UP NOBODY TALKS TO ME LIKE THAT! That is some hard love but it kinda helps :)

[@CaLypSO4456]

I hope your doing better friend!

[@willoween-witch]

love this tactic for dealing with depression because... anger is an emotion, and if you're struggling to... feel those... it can help shake you loose, as long as you don't let it become self-abusive. I regularly tell my brain to f*ck off, we're doing the thing godDAMMIT

[@ororo94]

I'm thinking that if your negative self talk starts getting overwhelming, just imagine Mark shrieking at it to shut up. At the very least it'll make you laugh, and it may interrupt that flow of negativity for a little while. I know this won't cure anyone's depression, but having little things to do to break the habit of repetitive rumination and negative self talk can be helpful in the moment.

[@mangakara2519]

@@ororo94 thanks :,) ❤️

[@Block523]

@@ororo94 this is actually pretty similar to what my therapist has mentioned when I’m dealing with guilt that has no reason to exist other than it already exists (hopefully that made sense), and to think about what other people, either in my life or out it would say if I tried explaining it to them, people whose opinions I trust, like a good friend, or if you can’t think of any, then you can try to imagine that you’re trying to see yourself where your perspective is suddenly someone else’s. Like in my case I would imagine that I’m looking at a younger version of myself whose telling me these stresses and concerns and guilts. This really helps (me at least lol) to put a lot of my stresses into perspective and to sort through which stresses are realistic to deal with, and which are kinda unrealistic or unreasonable for me to deal with. Things like feeling guilty I said something stupid yesterday to a friend or family member? Well, certain parts of that is a realistic feeling of remorse, like “I can do better next time, I can hold my temper”, but other parts, like “they must hate me now!” Or agonizing over *why* i (or you) did it, is unrealistic, is unreasonably hard on yourself. It’s ok to feel a level of “I can do better,” but it’s not really ok to keep pounding those past failures into yourself, without acknowledging that it was unrealistic to not have made the mistake. Sorry for rambling, it’s a specific topic that I feel strongly about lol.

[@camdentucker6153]

This nearly made me cry. I was looking for horror tonight and what I stumbled upon was one of the most incredible depictions of depression I have everr witnessed. The internal voice is so non-threatening and not apparently wrong. It is, after all, only the narrator, nothing you can do about it, right? It was so hard for me to realize that the voice that was telling me I was a terrible person was in fact not suposed to be there and isn't inherently correct or helpful. People who are still going through this, I hope you are able to fight this voice. Start small, giving yourself a compliment here or there, having small victories like giving someone a compliment or picking up some litter. Allow yourself to feel proud, it isn't egotystical, it's self love. You're allowed to love yourself. The effort it takes to start something is the amount it takes to change the world, it's hard, but managable. It's hard, but that's about as hard as it gets. You just have to keep putting in effort, keep fighting, keep trying. No matter how small your victories are, they are still victories, and you're doing amazing. :)

[@Kakooii]

Mark's aggressive possitivism was truly inspiring

[@SMCloud]

This game was so relatable for me and my own fights with my depression and anxiety, seeing as he went through the "house" to find little trinkets and items to make a little area better is like finding the good in your own memories that seem lifeless and pointless. It just makes me kinda happy that someone was able to capture the feeling of depression so well in a pixelated video game