I really dislike it when people romanticize it and like use it as some sort of aesthetic that defines their identity. More prevalent in university, especially amongst the alt/indie crowds. Their conceptions of depression seems to just be nonsensical purposeless deliberate self-destructive behavior, dressing in dark clothing, and listening to niche music, basically just trying to be edgy and cool to seek some sort of attention.

What irks me is often they come from very privileged backgrounds, stable families, comfortable financially, have active social lives, etc. 

I doubt they understand what it’s really like, to exist every day devoid of purpose and meaning, to struggle to do basic tasks because of intrusive thoughts and low self esteem, to exist like a shadow amongst peers. The causes of depression are often environmental, and yet nothing in their environments is truly conducive to developing this illness imo, which is why I feel like it’s just an aesthetic for many