Nineteen percent of Americans will suffer from depression at some time during their lives.
Sadly, depression hits the young and old alike.
Fifty percent of children and adolescents and 20 percent of adults report some symptoms of depression.
Since the pandemic of Covid-19, 48% of Americans report feeling depressed, anxious or both.
Depression can look different on everyone.
Some will hide behind their feelings, while others wear their feelings noticeably.
Depression is very common, it is a mood disorder.
It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.
Good news, depression is curable.
There were days I felt hopeless. Days of feeling alone and not worthy.
Depression doesn’t have to include you staying under the covers and removing yourself from all of society.
Even though I wanted to do that I couldn’t.
You try to strive to make it through each day, giving it your all.
The fuzzy thought of all this was, I honestly told everyone that may have asked if I was ok, that I didn’t feel depressed and I was not depressed.
I didn’t have a traumatic death in my life or a huge depressed event. I didn’t know depression could linger and have a hold on you so strongly.
It defeats your personality and your thoughts, your everyday life for that matter.
Life, all the great things in life and all the bad. When they all tangle themselves up in 1 it can become overwhelming. You struggle with finding a balance. When that balance becomes too strong you start to feel weak and defeated.
Depression will not defeat me.
Finding what is the root causing the sadness is your first step.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone that you feel may judge you or may not take you seriously, buy a journal and start writing.
Journaling helped me and it allowed my brain to break down specific thoughts of what may be triggering my depression.
When you allow yourself time to gather your own thoughts on paper it gives you an idea what areas you may need help in first.
Then take the next step, find a counselor that can fit your needs, they can help you navigate your responses and start helping you to heal.
They can also recommend the next steps if any, including a medical professional.
Don’t feel embarrassed as I did, I was not educated on what depression looked like or how it can swoop in to its prey.
Here are some main causes of depression:
What Are the Main Causes of Depression?
Lots of things can increase the chance of depression, including the following:
- Abuse. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can make you more vulnerable to depression later in life.
- Age. People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. That can be made worse by other factors, such as living alone and having a lack of social support.
- Certain medications. Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
- Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to it may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
- Death or a loss. Sadness or grief after the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can increase the risk of depression.
- Gender. Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed. No one’s sure why. The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role.
- Genes. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It’s thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington’s chorea or cystic fibrosis.
- Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a “normal” response to stressful life events.
- Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression.
- Serious illnesses. Sometimes, depression happens along with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
- Substance misuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance misuse problems also have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression. (webMd)
You are a beautiful person, it is ok if you have help from an army of individuals that can guide you through the storm.
You don’t have to try and defeat depression on your own.
The adventure could be a challenge, but it’s so worth it when you win the battle!
You’re worth it & DEPRESSION DOES NOT WIN
This post was written by Lauren K., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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