Don’t Just Brush it Off, Depression Kills!

We’ve all heard the word but what exactly is depression? I can tell you what it’s not; A joke. Most of us are acquainted with someone who has depression (to any degree), but we don’t know what it actually is.

Depression is a serious mental illness which is sadly also very common. It affects the way you feel, the way you think and the way you act. Fortunately, it is curable.

Causes of depression

Feelings of sadness and hopelessness for long periods of time can lead to depression. Too much pessimism is always bad. Since man is a social animal so, social isolation can also be a cause. Personal trauma, sources of stress (failed relationship, failed job etc.), certain medications can all be contributing factors to depression.

Symptoms

• Lasting Sadness, hopelessness, emptiness
• Withdrawal from socializing
• Insomnia
• Constant Pessimism
• Increased pain sensitivity
• No fun in previously enjoyable hobbies
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Self-loathing
• Loss/increase of appetite
• Constant fatigue
• Headaches

A lot of these symptoms can be associated to other less significant problems, however, they should not be ignored.

Celebrity examples

If you think that you have depression because you are insignificant, unimportant or weak then you are wrong. Depression is a very real problem and can happen to anyone. It is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many famous personalities who suffer from depression and have shared their stories with the rest of the world to raise awareness.

Type ‘celebrities with depression’ and the top results you get include names like Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Eminem, Harrison Ford etc.

Some famous names lost to depression include:

Vincent Van Gogh, 37 years old

Robin Williams, 63 years old

Marilyn Monroe, 36 years old

Kurt Cobain, 27 years old

Depression is a leading cause for suicide. About 6.7% of Americans above the age of 18, or about14.8 million people, are currently diagnosed with depression, which usually sets in between the ages of 18 and 25, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). After the age of 50 a person has an increased chance of developing a depressive disorder. Women seem to have a greater risk of becoming depressed that men do, as 1.5 to 3 times as many women report depression symptoms.

Get help

Depression is not something to laugh about. Time and time again depression has taken many lives. Many young people have committed suicide because nobody understood them.

The antidote to depression is to not shut the world out. Get a support system, talk to your family and friends. Go to a therapist. If you love animals then keep a pet, a cat or a dog. We all know how affectionate and loyal dogs are.

Work out. Exercise is the best prescription tformany illnesses. If you’re suffering from eating disorders then start tracking your meals and exercise. Myfitnesspal, which is like mspy phone tracker, is a very popular app used for this purpose.

The point is to do whatever it is that makes you happy, just don’t give up!