Depression: What You Need To Know.

Depression

This weeks assigned blog post is on depression. But before we can talk much we need to know what depression is right? According to Websters dictionary it is, "Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy," or, " A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life." I think depression can be something much more than just a "Mental Disturbance," I think it can be a problem that affects the body as well as the spirit. It takes it toll on those who it afflicts many times leaving a person a hollow shell of what they used to be. Someone told me that they think depression is, "holding the weight of the world on their shoulders." I don't know but I think that is pretty hard to deal with, and would probably lead me to do some rash things because of it.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms for depression, both physical and emotional. The physical can be anything from a constant stomachache, to a debilitating migraine that leaves you sleepless for hours. Irritability and restlessness are also symptoms of depression. A few other things to watch out for, people suffering from depression are much more likely to show no self restraint, and/or care for their life. They may also be practicing self mutilation, and finally they may also be constantly wallowing in self pity. For a more complete list of depression symptoms click here.

Some Statistics

In 1997 suicide was the leading cause of death in people ages 10-24. That includes car accidents. About 8.3 percent of adolescents have been diagnosed with depression. That means it is one of the top disorders in adolescents. These statistics should shock you, and maybe even horrify you. That is eight percent of america's adolescent population that will be tempted to commit suicide. Just to add one more fact, one in ten people struggling with depression will commit suicide. That's a fact. Teenagers are perhaps the most likely of all age groups to commit suicide. Depression greatly increases the risk of self mutilation.

How You Can Help

Chances are you know someone who struggles with depression. You probably won't know that person struggles with depression. These people need to be shown love. You need to show them that they ARE needed.They need to know that there is someone there for them, even if they don't want it. They need to know you are there for them. A simple thing you can do is to not make fun of depression when you are around them, and since you don't know who they are, you probably shouldn't make fun of depression around anyone. If you do make fun of depression, than that person may take it personally as an insult to them.

Some Remedies

I haven't ever been diagnosed with depression, and I don't really think I am qualified to speak from my personal experience. So in other words, I haven't tried these remedies, but I am told they work. I was told by a close friend who struggles with depression that hard work gets his mind off of himself and onto more enjoyable things. This is only a short term remedy, but if you did a little bit of hard work every day than that would be a little bit of not struggling with depression everyday. Another source of mine has told me that they will call up their best friend when they are feeling down, and hearing the love and joy from their friend helps them to see that they are worth something in this world.

Finally

If you know anyone who is suffering from depression, or you suspect that they may be, go out of your way to show them that you care about. Don't ask them "what does depression feel like?" Because that would probably make them feel like they are the only ones struggling with depression, and that could lead to some rash decisions.

I hope you have found This article to be helpful. You can always email me question at thequintonator @gmail.com. Enjoy! Comment! Critique!