A new mom who tells everyone she’s “fine,” even though she no longer feels connected to the activities that used to bring her joy.
PLAYING THE PART
The truth about being “fine”
Together with
Johnson & Johnson
We all know the script. When someone asks how you’re doing, it’s easier to say “I’m fine” than admit you’re struggling with depressive symptoms—especially when the truth is far more complicated. But when we hide how we’re really feeling, we cut ourselves off from getting the care we actually need.
The problem: For some people living with major depressive disorder (MDD), current treatment options may not fully relieve their symptoms—leaving them to settle for feeling just “fine.”
Enter: Generation Fine—a cultural wake-up call to help redefine what feeling “fine” really means when it comes to depression care. As part of Generation Fine, a global survey spanning seven countries and four continents was conducted to better understand the invisible burden of ongoing depressive symptoms people with MDD often face while on treatment. We also asked a healthcare provider how to bring up these lingering symptoms to your doctor—so you can work together to move beyond “good enough.”
And nearly 4 in 5 patients don’t expect antidepressants to address all of their depressive symptoms.*
*Based on a global survey of 850 patients conducted by Johnson & Johnson.
MEET THE CAST
Click to see what’s really happening backstage.
PLAYED BY:
A social butterfly who once lived for happy hours and brunch plans—but now, even stepping outside feels like a chore.
PLAYED BY:
A woman who says she had a “good day” if she manages to get out of bed, get the kids to school, and only cries in her car once.
PLAYED BY:
A once-motivated employee who clocks in and goes through the motions—but misses deadlines and the spark that used to make her love her job.
PLAYED BY:
The individuals shown are actor portrayals, not real patients. **Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, et al. Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(11):1905-1917. doi:10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905
CUE THE CONVERSATION
The goal of treating depression is to have few to no symptoms left (your doctor may call it remission).1 If your current treatment isn’t fully addressing all of your depression symptoms, it’s important to bring this up
to your healthcare provider so you can work together to move beyond “good enough.” But we know it’s not always easy to take that next step. We spoke with Dr. Jackson to hear her perspective on some of the common challenges people living with major depressive disorder may experience. In the Q&A below, she discusses topics that can help individuals feel more prepared and confident when having conversations with their healthcare providers about their treatment plan. Because “fine” isn’t good enough.
Click through to learn more.
Psst…this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your symptoms or treatment options.
IT’S TIME TO BREAK CHARACTER
and get real about how you’re feeling.
Dr. Jessica Jackson
Mental Health America’s Vice President of Alliance Development and a licensed psychologist. Her answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Johnson & Johnson collaborated with Mental Health America on this content and compensated them for their contributions.
What are some of the challenges with diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD)?
Dr. Jessica Jackson: MDD shares many symptoms with other mental health conditions, and no two cases of depression look the same. It also takes time to see if those symptoms are related to temporary stress or life events, or if they continue for a longer period and may point to MDD.
Why do you think people settle for “good enough”?
Dr. Jessica Jackson: Managing depression can be challenging, and for many people, trying different options can be exhausting over time. When symptoms linger, adjusting the plan can feel overwhelming—so “good enough” may start to feel like the only option.
How are peoples’ lives impacted if their depression treatment is not relieving all their symptoms?
Dr. Jessica Jackson: When symptoms persist, it can affect how people function day to day—from work and relationships to motivation and self-esteem. Without the right treatment, it’s easy to feel stuck.
How can I feel confident or be more effective when talking to my doctor about lingering depression symptoms?
Dr. Jessica Jackson: Prepare for your appointment. Take time to reflect on what’s been happening and how you feel, so you can share that information with your doctor. For instance, track your symptoms and duration, write down questions, and be honest with how your treatment is working.
What’s one thing you want people to understand about MDD treatment?
Dr. Jessica Jackson: Depression is not one‑size‑fits‑all, and neither is depression treatment. Understanding your options and talking openly with your healthcare provider about how you’re really feeling is important. Together, you can find a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you.
Visit Mental Health America’s Depression Information & Support webpage to learn more, or to take a mental health screening for depression.
Johnson & Johnson collaborated with Mental Health America on this content, and compensated them for their contributions.
The act ends here. It’s time to leave the script behind. Visit generation-fine.com to take the first step toward feeling better than “fine,” explore expert-informed educational resources, and hear from others who are living with depression.
PS: This is not medical advice. If you have any concerns or need medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider. 1. Armstrong, C. APA releases guideline on treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2011;83(10):1219—1227. Accessed April 29, 2026. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0515/p1219.pdf As part of Generation Fine, Johnson & Johnson conducted a global survey spanning seven countries (U.S., Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Italy and Spain) to better understand the invisible burden of ongoing symptoms people with major depressive disorder (MDD) face while on treatment. The online communications poll, fielded by Wakefield Research from August 6-17, 2025, surveyed 850 adults currently managing their MDD with oral antidepressants, and 800 healthcare providers who treat patients with MDD. Mental Health America reviewed the survey results in advance of publication and received compensation for their review. © Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates 2026 05/26 cp-556823v1
