Our Questions on Depression
A key point to note from the American Psychiatric Association: 70% - 90% of patients with Depression eventually see improvement when treated! This is hugely encouraging news to the community of people suffering! So don’t give up hope that tomorrow could always be brighter.
Don’t miss this weeks episode where we dive into our personal experiences with Depression!
Who gets Depression?
All three of our Now What? Hosts have lived with Depressive Disorder or depressive symptoms at various times throughout their lives. It can, for some, linger like a hooded companion ready to blind you at a moment's notice. Among mental disorders it’s even considered common. Anyone can experience depression; however, it is 50% more likely to occur in women vs men. It is also much more likely to occur in those who have experienced outside stresses, abuse or devastation. When all is said and done though, even a perfectly healthy person with no outside factors can experience depression and their experience shouldn’t be discounted. So, unfortunately, the answer to this question is anyone.
What does Depression feel like?
Our Now What? Host Nina described her depression as an immense sadness where Natalie described hers as an all-encompassing numbness. The exact performance your brain plays isn’t important; this disease's goal is always the same. Symptoms usually include sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little, feeling hopeless for the future and disheartened by the past. But for each individual, the weight of these feelings can become overbearing. The proof is in the World Health Organization claiming suicide as “the fourth leading cause of death in People 15–29 years old”. These symptoms can change rapidly so getting help as quickly as possible is imperative for your safety.
What do you do when Depression hits hard or becomes debilitating?
Don't laugh at me; do anything and everything you can do to make it one more day. When depression does hit hard, it can feel impossible to just get out of bed. It’s impossible to remember what used to be good about you. Your life doesn’t matter to you any more. So anything that can make you smile or just let you be comfortably numb for a few minutes is a good use of your time. Nina recommends going out of your way to do something nice for someone else to remind yourself of your kindness. Natalie rallies about talking with trusted friends or adults. Whatever works, will work.
Where to start when treating Depression?
For our host Alexa, treatment began in a therapist's office. Speaking about her pain out loud for the first time was terrifying, but liberating too. Finally, she didn’t have to lie to someone about how she was truly feeling and when the days became impossibly long, she had someone to talk to whenever she needed. Nina, on the other hand, started on medication as a treatment plan at a young age and felt a huge shift in her ability to overcome her symptoms as well. No matter where you start, taking the leap to help yourself is the first step. Starting simply means deciding you are worth it and acting accordingly.
Why does Depression happen?
Depression can come from pretty much anywhere and pop up for any reason. It can even be found in children. I’m sure anyone who has experienced these symptoms has wondered why it has to happen. Why do I have to feel so guilty and worthless? Technically, you’re experiencing reduced levels of neurotransmitters, but the question more viscerally feels like, why does my brain have to double down on its own bruise? Depression is so harmful because it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As our hosts discuss this week, Depression wants you to wallow and hide; so take the time you need to heal and then live your life!
Key facts found by the World Health Organization on Depressive Disorder.
