Depression is a touchy subject for most people in our society. There are all kinds of one-sided or false stigmas and stereotypes surrounding the public's view of depression. There simply is too much that people don't understand about it, and as someone who has struggled with depression for years, I have noticed that there is a correlation between a lack of education and sympathy for those who struggle with this terrible affliction. That is why I have compiled a list of things people need to understand about depression.
1). Depression is a real medical disorder
Yes, depression is an actual mental affliction. It has been proven time and time again that the brain activity of a person with depression is very different from someone who does not have depression. This is because their brains are not able to produce important chemicals (such as serotonin) that keep the brain's mood in balance. In most cases, those suffering from depression will need medication that helps them produce such brain chemicals.
2). It's not just about being sad
Sadness is not the only thing that comes with being depressed. Lack of energy or interest in daily activities is something very common among depressed people. Other strong emotions such as anger, guilt and frustration can also be found in those who have depression. Some days, it is a mixture of strong emotions that are hard to control. Other times, you feel nothing at all.
3). Anxiety can also come with depression
Anxiety is also common in depressed people. In fact, it can be just as debilitating as depression. Anxiety causes one's thought process to jump all over the place, while depression suppresses any form of positive thinking. Therefore, having both depression and anxiety makes things twice as hard. On one hand, you become worried about everything, but on the other, you have no strength to face challenges head on.
4). Depression can affect anyone
Depression can affect anyone, really. Young, old, rich, poor and everyone in between can be susceptible to depression. Yet, it is still important to know that it is more common among those who face a lot of social and economic struggle. Still, depression can affect anyone, and it has. Depression is on the rise in the world today, especially in the U.S. over the last few decades. The causes of such a rise can be discussed in another article, but it is still important to know that depression is on the rise and it can affect anyone.
5). Depression is a silent killer
Sometimes depression is hard to see. It's hardly ever obvious to see. Sometimes you can tell if you know the person and you see significant change in their personality. Such as a change in their overall mood, energy, or daily habits. But when you are walking down the street, you will never be able to tell that the person you just walked past has depression. Depression is not something you can always see, and most times people who have it hide it away from the rest of the world. Even when you do know the person you might not be able to tell. That is why depression is known as the "silent killer". Often times people hide their depression and it often leads them to consider suicide, because they feel like they have no other option.
Depression is a tough illness to deal with. Many who have it have no idea how to cope, and instead of getting help they may turn to dangerous coping methods such as drug abuse and self harm. Depression takes over the mind, and after a while it really feels like a part of who you are. That is why it is important to reach out to them and offer support services, because after a while, it takes over every aspect of their life, and it takes them to a dark place. As a society, we cannot continue to ignore depression and how it affects people. Just like any other illness, it must be taken seriously and there needs to be easier access to treatment. If we do not take depression seriously, it will continue to ravage our society.
