20 Depressing Things to Write About

Life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine.

Sometimes, it’s downright depressing.

As a writer, exploring the darker aspects of the human experience can lead to powerful, relatable content that resonates with readers.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, delving into depressing topics can be cathartic and enlightening.

It allows us to process difficult emotions, find solidarity with others who have faced similar struggles, and ultimately, appreciate the moments of joy and light in our lives even more.

Depressing Things to Write About

If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, consider tackling one of these 20 depressing writing prompts.

From personal challenges to societal issues, these ideas will help you tap into the rawer, more vulnerable parts of the human condition.

1. The Loss of a Loved One

Losing someone close to you is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences a person can go through. The pain is visceral, the void they leave behind gaping and raw.

When writing about loss, don’t shy away from the ugly parts. Describe the numbness, the anger, the desperate bargaining with a higher power. Explore the ways grief can manifest – from quiet despair to explosive rage.

But also touch on the bittersweet moments. The way their memory lingers in everyday objects and rituals. The unexpected bursts of laughter when reminiscing about shared jokes and quirks. Grief is complex and multi-faceted, and your writing should reflect that.

2. Battling Mental Illness

Mental health struggles are far more common than many realize, but that doesn’t make them any less isolating or debilitating. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD – these conditions can feel like a constant, oppressive weight.

When depicting mental illness in your writing, aim for realism and sensitivity. Don’t romanticize or downplay the severity of these diseases. Show the daily battles, the exhaustion of putting on a brave face, and the fear of being a burden to loved ones.

At the same time, emphasize that mental illness doesn’t define a person. Your characters can still have moments of joy, humor, and triumph. They are more than their diagnosis, and your story should make that clear.

3. The Ache of Loneliness

Humans are social creatures by nature, which makes prolonged loneliness feel like slow torture. It’s the heavy silence of an empty home, the pang of seeing happy couples and tight-knit friend groups, the sinking realization that your phone hasn’t buzzed in days.

In your writing, explore the root causes of your character’s loneliness. Is it self-imposed, a defense mechanism after one too many heartbreaks? The byproduct of social anxiety or awkwardness? A consequence of life circumstances, like moving to a new city or losing a partner?

Show the cyclical nature of loneliness, and how isolation often begets more isolation. But also plant seeds of hope – the fleeting connection with a kind stranger, the promise of new beginnings, the quiet strength found in solitude.

4. Dreams Deferred and Hopes Dashed

We’ve all had dreams that didn’t pan out and goals that slipped through our fingers like sand. Maybe it was a career aspiration that never took flight, a relationship that crumbled despite your best efforts, or a personal milestone that remains maddeningly out of reach.

When tackling this theme, resist the urge for a tidy resolution or silver lining. Let your character sit with the disappointment, the frustration, the nagging feeling of “what if?” Dig into the messy aftermath – the self-doubt, the resentment, the desperate scrabble to find a new purpose.

But also shows the slow process of acceptance and reframing. The realization that sometimes, the greatest growth comes from our biggest failures. The tentative first steps down a different path. Dashed dreams can be devastating, but they don’t have to be the end of the story.

5. The Weight of Regret

Regret is a uniquely human burden, the nagging “if only” that keeps us tossing and turning late at night. It’s the hindsight that’s always 20/20, the knowledge that we could have done better, been kinder and made a different choice.

In your writing, explore the many flavors of regret. The sharp sting of words that can’t be unsaid. The dull ache of a love that slipped away. The relentless replay of a crucial moment, a different outcome just out of grasp.

But don’t forget the power of redemption and forgiveness – both for others and ourselves. Show that while we can’t change the past, we can learn from it. Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to set down the baggage of yesterday.

6. Grappling with Addiction

Addiction is a beast that can bring even the strongest to their knees. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, or something else entirely, it’s a merciless cycle of compulsion, shame, and despair.

When writing about addiction, be unflinching in your honesty. Show the gritty, unglamorous reality – the trembling hands, the desperate lies, the relationships shattered beyond repair. Explore the underlying pain that drives the addiction, the gaping wound your character is trying to numb.

But also show the flickers of resilience and hope. The moment of clarity when they realize they need help. The courage it takes to walk into a recovery meeting or confess to a loved one. Recovery is rarely a straight line, but every stumble is a chance to get back up again.

7. The Specter of Illness and Mortality

From acute infections to chronic conditions to terminal diagnoses, illness has a way of casting a shadow over even the brightest of lives. It’s the stark reminder of our fragility, the great equalizer that cares not for age or status or virtue.

When grappling with this topic in your writing, don’t reduce your characters to their diagnoses. Flesh them out as full, complex human beings – their fears and dreams, their vices and virtues, their relationships and legacies.

Explore how illness impacts not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well. The existential dread, the crisis of identity, the bone-deep weariness. But also the flashes of dark humor, the moments of profound clarity, and the fierce love and loyalty of those who stand by their side.

8. The Cruelty of Injustice

We all like to believe that life is fair, that good deeds are rewarded and wrongdoings punished. But too often, the scales tip in the wrong direction. The innocent suffer while the guilty go free. The marginalized are silenced while the powerful run rampant.

In your writing, don’t flinch from the harsh realities of injustice. Depict the gut punch of a “not guilty” verdict for a blatant crime. The quiet desperation of someone slipping through society’s cracks. The simmering rage of a community treated as second-class citizens.

But also show the seeds of change and resistance. The grassroots movements that rise up against tyranny. The small acts of compassion restore faith in humanity. The slow, stubborn arc of the moral universe bending towards justice.

9. The Pain of Being Misunderstood

There’s a unique loneliness in feeling chronically misunderstood – like you’re speaking a language no one else can parse, living in a world adjacent to but always separate from those around you. It’s the artist whose vision falls on indifferent eyes, the eccentric who’s dismissed as “weird,” the complex soul reduced to a two-dimensional caricature.

When exploring this theme in your writing, lean into the nuances and contradictions of your characters. The way they long to be seen but fear being truly known. The masks they wear to fit in and the cost of maintaining that facade.

But also shows the power of genuine connection, however fleeting. The rush of finding a kindred spirit, someone who just “gets it.” The quiet defiance of staying true to yourself in a world that demands conformity. Being misunderstood is isolating, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

10. The Agony of Betrayal

Betrayal is a unique breed of pain, the kind that cleaves you right down the middle. It’s the sickening realization that someone you trusted, someone you loved, was never who you thought they were. The lies, the secrets, the knives slid neatly between your shoulder blades.

In your writing, don’t shy away from the ugliness of betrayal. The scorched-earth fights, the shattered trust, the bitter aftertaste that lingers for years. Show the way it warps a person, the walls they build and the parts of themselves they shut off to avoid being hurt again.

But also explore the road to healing, rocky and winding as it may be. The tentative first steps towards trusting again. The liberating anger of refusing to be a victim. The hard-won wisdom that comes from having your illusions shattered. Betrayal can break you, but it can also be the crucible that forges you into someone stronger.

11. The Insidious Nature of Abuse

Abuse takes many forms – physical, emotional, psychological, financial. But they all share a common core: the systematic stripping of a person’s power, agency, and sense of self. It’s the gradually tightening noose of control, the erosion of boundaries, the insidious voice that whispers “you’re worthless” until you believe it.

When tackling this heavy topic in your writing, tread carefully and responsibly. Avoid graphic depictions of violence that could be triggering for survivors. Instead, focus on the internal experience – the confusion, the self-doubt, the desperate attempts to appease and avoid setting off the abuser.

But also show the path to survival and healing. The moment of clarity when the abuse is named for what it is. The herculean strength it takes to leave, to rebuild, to reclaim the parts of yourself you thought were lost forever. Abuse is a heavy shadow, but it doesn’t have to eclipse the rest of a person’s story.

12. The Stain of Shame and Guilt

Shame and guilt are twin poisons, corroding us from the inside out. They’re the voices that whisper “you’re not good enough,” “you don’t deserve happiness,” “if people knew the real you, they’d run screaming.” Left unchecked, they can consume a person, warping their every thought and interaction.

In your writing, explore the roots of your character’s shame and guilt. Is it born from trauma, from a strict upbringing, from mistakes they can’t forgive themselves for? Show how it colors their self-perception, their relationships, their ability to accept love and success.

But also show the power of self-compassion and forgiveness. The moment when they share their darkest truths and find acceptance instead of judgment. The slow, stubborn work of internalizing their worth. Shame and guilt may always be present, but they don’t have to be in the driver’s seat.

13. The Ravages of War and Conflict

War is hell, in ways both literal and figurative. It’s the blood and guts and bone-deep exhaustion of combat. The haunted eyes and hair-trigger startle reflexes of those who make it home. The empty chairs at dinner tables, the folded flags handed to grieving families, the communities shattered beyond recognition.

When writing about war and its aftermath, resist the urge to glorify or romanticize. Show the ugly, messy reality – the moral grayness, the dehumanization, the scars that never fully heal. Explore the ripple effects that spread far beyond the battlefield.

But also show the moments of grace and humanity amidst the horror. The camaraderie forged in the trenches. The unlikely alliances and acts of mercy. The dogged pursuit of justice and peace. War may be humanity at its worst, but it can also reveal the best in us.

14. The Specter of Poverty and Want

Poverty is a grinding, relentless monster – the kind that steals your sleep, your dignity, your very sense of possibility. It’s the constant calculus of “heat or eat,” the gnawing fear of one unexpected expense upending everything, the exhaustion of working multiple jobs and still barely scraping by.

In your writing, don’t reduce poverty to a set of stereotypes or statistics. Show the human face of financial struggle – the single mother skipping meals to feed her children, the college student drowning in debt, the elderly couple rationing medication.

But also show the resilience and resourcefulness of those living on the margins. The creative budgeting, the mutual aid networks, the stubborn refusal to let circumstances define them. Poverty is a heavy burden, but it’s not the sum total of a person’s worth or experience.

15. The Anguish of Infertility and Child Loss

For those who long for children, infertility can feel like a cruel cosmic joke. It’s the endless cycle of hope and heartbreak, the invasive procedures, the well-meaning but clueless platitudes from friends and family. Even more devastating is the loss of a child – the shattering of dreams, the grief that knows no bottom, the sense that the world will never be quite right again.

When exploring these painful topics in your writing, approach them with the utmost empathy and care. Validate the overwhelming emotions – the jealousy, the anger, the despair. Show how it strains even the strongest relationships and sense of self.

But also shows the many different ways of creating a family and finding purpose. The beauty of adoption, fostering,and  mentorship. The hard-won peace of reimagining a life beyond traditional parenthood. Infertility and child loss are uniquely shattering, but they don’t have to be the end of the story.

16. The Toll of Caregiving and Burnout

Caregiving is a labor of love, but it’s labor all the same. Whether it’s parenting small children, tending to an ailing relative, or supporting a struggling friend, the constant demands can wear down even the most resilient spirit. It’s the bone-deep exhaustion, the endless to-do list, the sinking feeling that you’re pouring from an empty cup.

When depicting caregiving in your writing, don’t romanticize or minimize the challenges. Show the tedium, the frustration, the moments of resentment. Explore how it affects relationships, mental health, and sense of identity.

But also celebrate the quiet joys and profound fulfillment of showing up for others. The laughter amidst the chaos, the heart-bursting pride of seeing a loved one thrive, the deep sense of purpose and connection. Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint – and it’s okay to stumble along the way.

17. The Scourge of Bigotry and Hate

Bigotry is an insidious poison, seeping into every crack and crevice of society. It’s the slurs hurled from passing cars, the job opportunities denied, the violence visited upon marginalized bodies. It’s the constant, exhausting hyper-vigilance of moving through a world that sees you as less than human.

In your writing, don’t shy away from the harsh realities of systemic oppression. Show how it impacts every facet of life – from the interpersonal to the institutional. Explore the psychological toll of internalized hatred and the generational trauma it engenders.

But also celebrate the power of resistance, resilience, and pride. The joy of found family and community. The breathtaking art and culture that emerges from the margins. The slow but stubborn march of progress. Bigotry may be a stubborn stain, but it’s not indelible.

18. The Devastation of Natural Disasters

There’s a unique horror to natural disasters – the way they rip away any illusion of control, the sheer scope of destruction they leave in their wake. It’s the streets turned to rubble, the lives swept away in an instant, the eerie silence where a bustling community once stood.

When writing about disasters, whether real or fictional, approach it with sensitivity and nuance. Don’t sensationalize or exploit the suffering of those affected. Show the gut-wrenching loss, the daunting road to recovery, the way trauma lingers long after the rubble is cleared.

But also highlight the incredible resilience and solidarity of communities in crisis. The first responders working around the clock, the neighbors sharing what little they have left, the slow but steady process of rebuilding. Natural disasters may shake us to our core, but they also reveal the unshakable human spirit.

19. The Existential Dread of Climate Change

Climate change is the looming specter of our time, the slow-motion catastrophe already unfolding before our eyes. It’s the record-shattering heat waves, the once-in-a-century storms now coming every year, the species winking out of existence with devastating finality.

In your writing, don’t pull any punches about the scale and urgency of the crisis. Show the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, the maddening inaction of those in power, the growing sense of despair and nihilism in younger generations.

But also highlight the glimmers of hope and possibility. The innovative solutions and grassroots movements, the unlikely alliances forming across lines of difference, the dogged optimism of those fighting for a livable future. Climate despair is understandable, but giving up is not an option.

20. The Futility of Seeking Perfection

We live in a world that glamorizes perfection – the flawless body, the picture-perfect relationship, the meteoric career. But chasing that impossible standard is a recipe for misery. It’s the constant dissatisfaction, the self-flagellation over every perceived flaw, the inability to celebrate your unique beauty and gifts.

When exploring this theme in your writing, deconstruct the very notion of perfection. Show how it’s often rooted in external validation rather than intrinsic self-worth. Depict the anxiety and self-doubt it breeds, the opportunities missed while waiting for the perfect moment.

But also show the freedom and joy of embracing imperfection. The intimacy of showing your true self, warts and all. The giddy liberation of pursuing growth over flawlessness. The quiet power of self-acceptance. Perfectionism may be an alluring siren song, but true fulfillment lies in the beauty of being human.

Wrapping Up Depressing Writing Ideas

Delving into the darker aspects of the human experience is never easy, but it’s often where the most profound insights and connections lie.

By exploring themes of loss, struggle, and hardship in your writing, you can create works that resonate deeply, visceral level.

But remember – even in the bleakest of narratives, there is always room for glimmers of hope and resilience.

Show the moments of lightness amidst the darkness, the small triumphs that keep us going, the indelible human spirit that refuses to be snuffed out.

Writing about depressing things doesn’t have to be a heartbreaking experience.

Approach it with empathy, nuance, and a belief in the ultimate goodness of humanity.

Your words have the power to validate, to heal, to inspire – so use them wisely and well.