Depression. A term people use loosely to describe their sadness and something others joke about with their friends. What those people don't understand is how wide spread this mental illness actually is and that the people they love could very well be suffering from it in silence. Millions of Americans struggle with depression each day but hide it so that others will not think badly of them. People hide their illnesses instead of getting help out of fear of being treated differently.
I am not one of those people. I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and depression, and I refuse to let my mental disorders control me or how people see me. A few of my friends and family suffer from depression as well so I am very aware of the disorder. September is Suicide Prevention Month and I hope that by making others more aware of the affect depression has on people we can all make a difference in someone's life.
Depression is a disorder that can affect anyone at any time of their life. The most common ages for adults to be diagnosed with depression is between the ages of 25-44 and is more common in woman than men. It can affect a person in such ways as weight gain or loss, loss of sleep, fatigue, difficulty remembering things or focusing and loss of appetite. These are just a few examples of the symptoms those that are affected may suffer from. Some are triggered when they lose someone they care about or something traumatic happens in their life while for others it is hereditary. Basically, depression is the lowest feeling of sadness that a person can feel and those who suffer from it can have episodes of depression that can last anywhere between hours or months. There are good days where a sufferer can be ridiculously happy and may want to stay out all night with friends. Then there are bad days where the sufferer will not even want to get out of bed much less see anyone. Some that suffer feel alone and as if there is no escape from the low, so they decide to end their life to be free of the chains that depression locked them in.
Suicide is something that should be taken lightly. People of various ages get to a point in their life where they feel like no one cares about them and whether they live or die. They feel, as if, they are worthless and need to end their life so that the people they love will no longer be burdened by them. Suicide is the number two leading cause of teen deaths in the U.S because they feel like they have no one to talk to about what they are going through. No one deserves to feel this way. Every person matters and is loved by someone. The fact that people get to such a point in their lives really shows how we all take our lives for granted. Even on our worst days at least there is someone that is there to listen and give a hug if needed.
Depression is a mental disorder that has caused the lives of millions to be abruptly ended. If you suffer from this disorder please remember that you are never alone and there are others who suffer just like you do. Together we can overcome the struggle and live our lives normally. Letting depression control your life can not be an option anymore. You are a human being who is much more than their mental disorder.
If you or someone you love need someone to talk to about depression or suicidal thoughts then please go to http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ or call 866.488.7386. You are never alone.
