You’re at a party surrounded by a group of people, and everyone is talking away and you’re in conversation with a few other people about plans for spring break.

You and your friends are going on a cruise for the first time together and the excitement is unreal. For some reason though, you don’t feel as happy or as excited as you should be. You want to feel happy, but instead you feel emptiness and sorrow. A feeling of lonesomeness and worthlessness creeps upon you. These feelings are no stranger as well with encountering them on almost a daily basis. Thoughts of “why am I even here,” “why stay alive” are what you fight through on a regular basis.

Depression is a serious mental illness that is constantly overlooked by many people these days. Since it isn’t a physical condition like chicken pox or strep throat, it can sometimes be hard to explain to people that don’t have it. Unless the person you’re telling it to has experienced a battle with depression, it may be hard for them to truly understand the emotions and feelings you experience.

In the news there have been constant stories of people dying from suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide has reached the top ten list for leading deaths in Americans. One of the most recent headline suicide deaths, was the extremely famous actor and comedian Robin Williams. He was only at the age of 63 when he decided to take his own life. According to his doctors and family, he was battling severe depression. 

The fact that a man so successful such as Robin Williams himself could commit such a serious act like suicide, shows how serious and under looked depression is as a disease and health condition. Depression can range from mild to severe, but no matter the level it is always a tough battle to fight. 

 For people who have experienced depression or are currently battling depression, it may feel like you have no way out and you’ll feel depressed forever. Or you may feel that going to a therapist and seeking help won’t be of any use because they don’t truly understand what you’re experiencing. That is not the case. There are many places out there for you to seek help. 

As a person who is currently battling depression and has battled depression for over four years, I can say I have reached out to multiple outlets for help. There were moments where I felt completely alone and no one could understand me, and I just wanted to quit right then and there, but there was always that tiny voice that spoke to me and made me seek help. One organization that I first went to for help is To Write Love on Her Arms. If you go to their website, they have the number for the National Suicide hotline, abuse hotline, addiction hotline, and much more resources to go too. 

If you find yourself feeling sad and alone don’t brush it off and take it lightly. Seeking help is the first step to feeling better and living a happier lifestyle. 

National Hopeline Network: 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (273-8255)

http://twloha.com/find-help