I had lunch with a friend last week, and during our conversation, we both realized something. Young people today feel that they always have to answer questions with: "I'm fine" or "It's going good." There's something about being in college, with all of its opportunities, new friendships, clubs and ministries, and newfound freedom that makes us think there's something wrong with us if we don't feel peachy all of the time. But it is hard to be away from your support system and deal with the academics, crazy eating schedules, having a social life, and lack of sleep.
Kevin Breel, a comedian who suffers from depression, did a TED Talk a few years ago on the topic of depression and spoke on the stigmas, the facts, and the tragedies that sometimes follow. He talked about how crippling depression is, and how someone's sadness is circumstantial, but depression spans across all situations, good and bad. Every 30 seconds, because of depression, someone takes their own life, and yet, depression is viewed as something a person "just needs to get over." Kevin commented on the fact that society's fine with a body part breaking down until that body part is our brain. Depression isn't something someone can just decide to kick to the curb each morning; It's something that people who suffer from it have to live with.
If you think you have a friend who is depressed and may be considering taking their own life, do not hesitate to take action. Ask them directly -- mentioning suicide will not give someone the idea -- and try to pick up on warning signs. If someone talks about suicidal thoughts, this could be a cry for help, and they shouldn't be left alone afterward.
That said, not everyone who deals with sadness, homesickness, or a really sucky week is going to be depressed. I've been really sad before for a stretch of days, but that's all it was: sadness. It can be tricky to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and remember that other people are dealing with the same stuff (and just because someone's Instagram seems perfect doesn't mean their life is). If you do in fact suffer from depression: I'm here for you. But if you only throw the term around, think about whether or not you are actually suffering from the disease. So next time you're feeling down and someone asks how you're doing, it's ok to answer honestly, "I've been better, but I'll be ok." Because you will. Hang on, and it'll get better.
(The following were taken from a UNC Chapel Hill Psych class, and may only be useful for those in Chapel Hill or the Triangle):
Counseling and Psych services
(919) 966-3658 (business hours
(919) 966-2281 (crisis)
Hopeline NC
(919) 231-4525 (24-hour hotline)
UNC Department of Public Safety
(919) 962-8100
Dialing 911 is always a good backup plan!
