1 Degree of Separation

FRIDAY — WEEK ONE WRAP-UP

This week wasn’t about fixing depression.

It was about understanding ourselves.

Before we can explain what we’re going through—or ask someone else to understand—we have to learn to recognize it ourselves.

That’s why Question 1 matters:

What does your depression feel like physically?

It asks us to intentionally notice what our body may be telling us before we have the words to explain everything else.

Awareness is a first step.

And sometimes, simply being able to say, “I know what this feels like for me,” can change the conversation.

Next week, we move to Question 2. ❤️

THURSDAY — QUESTION 1

We’ve spent this week asking:

What does your depression feel like physically?

Now think about this…

Can you recognize the physical signs before you realize you’re struggling?

Maybe you stop eating.
You sleep more.
Your body gets heavy.
Your head hurts.
You’re exhausted.
You feel numb.
You can’t sit still.

Your body may be telling you something before you’ve even put words to it.

That’s why we start the 5 Questions here.

Not to diagnose anything.

Just to learn to recognize your own signs.

Because the better we understand what depression looks and feels like in ourselves, the better chance we have of recognizing when something is changing.

What does YOUR body tell you?

Tomorrow, we wrap up Question 1. ❤️

Before you try to name what you’re feeling emotionally, stop for a moment and notice what your body is doing. Start at your head and slowly work your way down. Is your head heavy or hurting? Is your jaw tight? What does your chest feel like? Your stomach? Your arms and legs? Are you tense, exhausted, restless, numb, shaky, heavy? Don’t try to figure out why yet. Just notice what’s physically happening

Shout out to the United States Air Force and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for having us today. 🇺🇸❤️

My personal takeaway today was gratitude… but also humility.

Sitting in that room, looking at the faces of the men and women who serve our country, I was reminded again that behind every uniform is a human being carrying a life, a family, a story and struggles we may never see.

Days like today make this mission very personal for me.

I leave grateful that we get to do this, humbled that people trust us with their stories, and reminded that what we’re doing really matters.

One conversation can save a life. ❤️

TUESDAY — QUESTION 1: A LITTLE DEEPER

Yesterday we asked:

What does your depression feel like physically?

Our comedians describe it differently:

Brad: Like a cold coming on—I can feel it coming on and wake up “sick.”

Rhoda: Like I just ran a marathon—completely exhausted.

Steph: Like being underwater, reaching for the surface but never getting closer.

Becky: Like a thick, wet wool blanket—familiar, but heavy, itchy and uncomfortable.

These aren’t clinical descriptions. They’re lived experiences. There’s no “right” or “wrong”answer.

So what does your depression feel like physically?

Try a comparison—an object, sensation, weather, clothing, place… anything.

👇 What would yours be?

Your description might help someone else say, “YES. That’s exactly what it feels like.”

Tomorrow: Question 1 — A Deeper Dive

QUESTION 1 — DAY 1

What does your depression feel like PHYSICALLY?

Not your emotions.
Not your thoughts.

What does depression actually feel like in your body?

Depression is real — and it isn’t “just in your head.”

For some people, depression feels heavy.
Like their body is carrying extra weight.

For others, it can feel like exhaustion, pressure, tightness, restlessness, aching, numbness or moving through wet cement.

And for someone else, it may feel completely different.

That’s why we ask the question.

What does YOUR depression feel like physically?

Finding words for what is happening in your body can help you recognize it, communicate it and begin a conversation.

You don’t have to have the perfect answer.

Just start noticing.

Throughout this week, our 1° comedians will share their own answers and lived experiences as we take a deeper dive into Question 1.

Because sometimes understanding what depression feels like is the first step toward being able to talk about it.

One conversation can save a life.