First: What depression is not
Hopelessness, discouragement, darkness, emptiness, and so many more words are often used to describe depression and its effects. This is a big topic, but let’s start first with what depression is not…
Depression is not something to be ashamed of.
Depression is not the same thing as feeling “blue” or “down.”
Depression is not a character flaw or the sign of a weak personality.
Depression is not a “mood” someone can “snap out of.”
What depression is
Depression is an illness that affects the entire body, not just the mind.
Depression is an illness that one in five people will suffer during their lifetime.
Depression is the leading cause of alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictions.
Depression is an equal-opportunity illness – it affects all ages, all races, all economic groups and both genders.
At least half of the people suffering from depression do not get proper treatment.
What does depression feel like?
Watch these characters from the game “The Sims” describe depression.
Things just seem “off” or “wrong.”
You don’t feel hopeful or happy about anything in your life.
You’re crying a lot for no apparent reason.
Getting up in the morning requires a lot of effort.
Carrying on a normal conversation is a struggle.
You’re having trouble making simple decisions.
Your friends and family really irritate you.
You’re not sure if you still love your spouse/significant other.
You’re anxious and worried a lot.
You have recurring thoughts of death and/or suicidal impulses.
Incessantly and uncontrollably into your mind comes a torrent of negativity.