For Mental Health Week, #IAmStigmaFree
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

For Mental Health Week, #IAmStigmaFree

"Over 38,000 americans were recorded in 2010 for the loss of their life due to suicide."

76
For Mental Health Week, #IAmStigmaFree
Pexels

The first week of October was Mental Health Awareness Week. As a psychology major, I participated in more ways than one.

The hashtag used, #IAmStigmaFree inspired me for this weeks discussion. Regardless of how much we communicate many people in this world still shrug mental illnesses off as nothing, or as something. Something made up.

Those suffering from depression often seclude themselves due to stigmas. But, let's talk science, and maybe I can change your mind about having a predisposed opinion?

Risk factors in people with depression include genetics, brain features, neurochemical and hormonal features and sleep deficiencies. Test have proven that genetics can play a large role in a case of depression. "Children of depressed parents are up to 4 times more likely to have a mood disorder" (Kearney, Trull) Genes, such as chromosome 17 (involved with serotonin) has been proven to aid in depressive symptoms.

It is facts such as these that need to be shared with the world, shared with those who believe depression is by choice. Those who have been affected by depression have heard "you just want attention" or "buck up, life is hard" or maybe even "stop being sad" as if it is a choice. Science has literally told us that features in our brains can cause depression and that is no fault of our own?

An example of areas associated with depression includes our amygdala, hippocampus, and caudate nucleus. These areas may be affected and display depression when people are injured, suffer from a stroke, or have a tumor. We are not only fighting the stigma because it is damaging, belittling, and honestly incorrect. We are fighting the stigma because we have science to back us up and too many people have suffered far too long.

Over 38,000 Americans were recorded in 2010 for the loss of their life due to suicide. Stigmas keep people from seeking treatment, do you really want to be a part of that?

#IAmStigmaFree

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56692
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36536
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958368
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

188909
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments