As many of you know, depression and anxiety are conditions that are no laughing matter. But a lot of the time, laughter and humor can be a part of the healing process and can be very useful. As someone that struggles with depression and anxiety, I find comfort in my favorite television shows, including "Parks and Recreation." Here are some of my favorite moments of "Parks and Rec" that explain important facts and figures on how depression and anxiety affect my life and the lives of numerous American adults.
Depression
1. Over 14.8 million adults in the U.S. are affected by depression.
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2. Depression can often make you feel like doing nothing.
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A lot of the time you discover that things you used to find enjoyable aren’t as appealing as they used to be.
3. Depression can make you tired, weak, and sore.
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Not only can depression affect your body mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect your body physically.
4. Depression can be triggered by certain tasks or events or can occur unrelated to any singular circumstance.
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Sometimes you just feel depressed for no reason whatsoever.
5. Depression is much more than feeling sad.
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Emotional symptoms of depression can include apathy, guilt, hopelessness, and general discontent. For some, it can be very debilitating and can keep people from achieving goals, honoring their obligations, or leaving their houses.
6. Depression does not always lead to suicidal thoughts or self-harm, but can do so in many cases.
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The ‘emo’ trend often romanticizes self-harm and suicidal thoughts, but is an actual effect of severe clinical depression.
Anxiety
1. About 3.3 million adults in the U.S. are affected by anxiety.
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2. Anxiety is much more than feeling nervous.
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Like depression, anxiety can be very debilitating and keep people from leaving their homes.
3. Anxiety can make a person feel paranoid, insecure, or endangered.
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4. Anxiety can sometimes keep people from moving or speaking while they are experiencing an anxiety attack.
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5. In some cases, an anxiety attack can feel like a heart attack.
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6. An anxiety attack can be triggered by a singular event or by an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.
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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can cause some people to experience extremes levels of anxiety for prolonged periods of time.
Both depression and anxiety are extremely treatable, yet many people do not seek help for several reasons including fear of being ostracized, lack of support, cultural or religious taboos, or lack of knowledge.
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If you or a loved one are experiencing depression and/or anxiety, please contact your primary care physician, visit NAMI.org, or call either of the following hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1 (800) 273-8255
24-Hour Crisis Support
775-784-8090
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