Awareness

*This week's blog post is courtesy of Hunter. He had to do a report on an illness in health class. He chose to do his report on depression and it's effects on the body. He told me he chose this subject because of what he's seen me go through, and he wants to help spread awareness.*

Depression is dangerous when unmanaged. So those who suffer from it need to take care of themselves and get help. I choose to tell the world that depression is a real illness, and how serious it is when people say they have it. The reason I want to spread this is because I know how it affects the people who live with this illness. My mom has depression and it is very serious.

What is Depression

Depression is a mental disease that is really hard to live with. People think depression is a feeling of sadness, but depression is not a feeling that comes and goes. No, it is a lifetime of despair and self-doubt. One in six people will suffer from a depressive illness at least once in their lifetime. However, nearly two-thirds of depressed people do not get appropriate treatment.

Depression is more than just feeling sad or a little under the weather. Depression is an illness caused by problems with the chemicals in your brain. This chemical imbalance affects how you feel, think and act. Research has shown that it's a medical illness just like diabetes or high blood pressure.

People who suffer from depression are not actually just sad here and there. No, this feeling of inadequacy is constant. So, when people say they have depression they are not  just trying to get attention. Actually, most would prefer that no one knows they have depression.

Symptoms of Depression

There are indications that can help you tell who is depressed. Some of these symptoms include people acting very sullen and not wanting to do anything. People who have depression tend to move very slow, they tend to have small appetites, and are very sad most of the time.

People with depression think that life is not worth living. Depression makes one think that they are not good enough for their family and friends. Some act like everything is fine, but it really hurts. This illness is very hard for them because they are lying to their friends and family. Some people cope with it by physically hurting themselves. Some wish they were not here because of how excruciating the pain they feel is. This can cause them to start having suicidal thoughts. Others just want to make themselves feel invisible. They do this so that they don’t stress anyone else out.

If you notice some of these symptoms in a friend or family member, speak up.

Types of Depression

People of any age can suffer from depression. They all suffer on different scales. Depression in children can make them feel out of place and weird. They like to not go to school. So, they play sick and don’t go to school for week. Some even want to just disappear. Adults suffer on a different scale.

Some suffer with mild depression. These people can live a pretty-basic-normal life. Those who suffer mildly can usually work outside of the home and participate in extracurricular activities. They do not feel much pain, except for they are still slower than normal.

The next level is moderate depression. Many of these people are able to perform tasks that have to be done. However, attending any other activities are not enjoyable. These sufferers are usually good at “faking it, until making it.”  They really are not as happy as they wish to be.

The highest level is severe depression. These sufferers have a hard time just getting out of bed and getting dressed for the day. They are unable to work because they are deemed ‘unreliable’ because of their illness. It can also make them not as mentally awake as a normal person is. Many severe sufferers even contemplate suicide. These thoughts are dangerous and can put a person at risk. Suicide is a permanent solution to a short-term problem. If you have thoughts like these, be sure to contact your doctor right away. Effective treatment can help you see the value of life clearly again.

Treatment

They best way to take care of depression is to get professional help. Some types of professional help include seeing a psychiatrist, a therapist, and even in severe cases medication.

Having a strong support system of family and friends is also important to survive depression. Family help is a strong bond that is needed to manage depression. Studies have been done that people with depression who have no support from family and friends have a lot more depression than with people who do have support. So, if you know anyone with depression find a way to help them live.

The world needs to know that depression is an illness and it does not define the person. This is a very serious illness that needs to be addressed to the world. It takes people from us. It is not a feeling, but it is an illness that hurts. People are not normally infected with this, you are most likely born with it. That is how serious it is.

Ways to Help

So from now on help the people you know with depression. Help them get through the rough time they are in. They might not recognize the symptoms, but the symptoms are blamed on personal weakness or the illness is so severe the person cannot reach out for help.

In closing, depression is an illness, not just a mental lapse. It is caused by chemical imbalances. It can also be caused by tragic events in someone’s life.

Above all, if you’re depressed, there is no reason to be ashamed.