In the modern world, depression has received such a negative stigma. People have all sorts of things to say about the topic--these people ranging from the local psychiatrist to your elderly grandmother to even that pot dealer down the street. People keep talking, talking, talking…but nobody really listens to what depressed people have to say regarding the subject. And so, that’s exactly what I did; I listened, and I learned. And, hopefully, you will too.
We decided to keep it short, (bitter)sweet, and to the point.
Me: “Hi, Quinn*. How are you?”
Quinn: “Tired.”
[laughter]
M: “Understandable! Now, tell me a little bit about yourself.”
Q: “My name is Quinn. I’m seventeen years old, and a senior in high school. Next year, I’ll be headed off to the University of Florida, which is considered the best university in our home-state of Florida. I love anything that has to do with the STEM fields…especially biology! But I also love calculus, statistics, ecology, and even chemistry…I have more interests than I can handle, haha.”
M: “When do you think you started to feel depressed?”
Q (pondering): “Well, I’d have to say around sophomore year [of high school].”
M: “Why do you say that?”
Q: “Well, that year, I had probably the hardest coursework schedule. I decided to take on AP Chemistry and AP United States History that year, which was a big mistake. I’m no history whiz, and though I enjoy it immensely, chemistry bewilders me to this day. To make a long story short, the strenuousness of the two classes completely ruined my school-year, not to mention GPA. It was…terrifying. As someone whose grades is their lifeline, the situation truly shook me, even when I think about it.”
M: “Interesting. Would you say that school was the only reason for you to sink into such an extreme low?”
Q: “Well, I've had my fair share of personal issues...added in with family issues…but I can definitely say that the depression was predominantly spurred by school.”
M: “I see. So, when did you decide to get diagnosed, and why?”
Q: “Well, things sort of boiled over earlier this year. My mother, well--I suspect she has mental health problems of her own, and she nearly pushed me past the brink. To make a long story short, let’s just say an incident happened; an incident that almost ended traumatically. It was then that I knew that something had to change, and so…I went, and received an informal diagnosis. I go to therapy once a week.”
M: “And are you doing better now?”
Q: “Oh, yes! Much better, though I do have mild bouts of depression here and there. But yes--I’m sure if I hadn’t turned myself over to professionals, I wouldn’t be here today.”
M: “I’m glad you’re still here with us, Quinn. Now, could you tell us some advice you’d give to fellow students and young adults who are in your shoes?”
Q: “Oh, for sure. First things first: there’s definitely a negative stigma attached to depression, at least in American society. And because of it, no one ever wants to talk about it. BUT THAT’S WRONG! If you feel depressed, you should certainly reach out and get help, no matter how hard it may be. And it may be hard. But this feeling of security you gain after reaching out is definitely worth it, I guarantee it.”
M: “I agree wholeheartedly. Before we close, I just wanted to ask you this: do you think depression is caused by one major event or shift in one’s life, or after a build-up of such events or shifts?”
Q: “Well, I’d have to say either or, or even a combination of the two. For me, it was certainly a combination of different aspects of my life, as well as that one tipping point. But it varies for different people…either way, depression is depression, and if someone has it, he or she should certainly seek help. Because depression is a sickness, and it spreads like a disease; once your mind is infected, it’ll take over every other aspect of your body and life. And mental illness isn’t just any ordinary illness; it affects the part of you that makes you you, which may make it the most deadliest illnesses of all. I certainly can account for it. But I cannot stress this enough: PLEASE GET HELP! Depression is lonely enough, so what’s the harm in reaching out?”
M: “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you for your time, Quinn.”
Q: “Don’t mention it.”
*name has been changed