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