The D-Word

Throughout my life, I have had the displeasure of dealing with the "D-word" (depression). Although this word is tossed around often, many people do not truly grasp what depression is and how it presents itself. The Mayo Clinic defines depression as, “A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.” I suppose the silver lining is that I, along with many others, may feel alone, but in reality, we are far from it.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In the United States, over 15 million adults experience an episode of clinical depression in any given year (close to seven percent of the population), according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Even with these statistics, it still does not dilute that bone-crushing feeling of being clinically depressed.

Below are the signs and symptoms that are associated with depression according to The Mayo Clinic:

• Trouble concentrating
• Issues remembering
• Difficulties making decisions
• Fatigue
• Feelings of weakness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Pessimism and hopelessness
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in things once pleasurable
• Low sexual drive
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Changes in weight
• Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away
• Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment
• Persistent sad, or "empty" feelings
• Severe anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Attempts to harm, hurt, or kill themselves

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms it is a great idea to visit with a medical professional. We all deal with issues in different ways as well. Many people who are dealing with depression have issues with abusing substances. The World Health Organization claims that “33 percent of people diagnosed with depression have engaged in some form of substance abuse.” This can ultimately lead to more severe depressive episodes and can affect medications that someone might be taking to combat depression.

I believe that most of the time knowing that you are not alone in this fight can truly help. I, along with millions of others, fight this battle on a daily basis. Today, it's time that we stand up to this debilitating disease. Below is a note that I wrote myself during a difficult time and I sincerely hope it may help you through your trying time...

Note to Self

Life is hard. People disappoint you and emotions get the best of you. Uncertainty cripples you. It makes you believe that your best days are in the past. Friends grow apart. Family members get old and sick. Someone breaks your heart. You lose a job. Your pet passes away.

Even on the worst days when there is no one on the other end of that phone remember that people love you. People care about you being here and being alive. You were put on this earth for a very specific and important reason. There are going to be days when you feel like giving up and not getting out of bed. Days when you think “Will I ever be okay again?” Days when you don’t even remember the last time you were okay… Just know it gets better.

Know that life is a roller coaster. Know that with every low comes an even better high. Appreciate every sunrise and sunset. Appreciate the smell of morning coffee. Appreciate that dumb Netflix show you’ve watched a million times. Appreciate that song that comes on right when you needed it most. Appreciate the meal you have in front of you. Appreciate the time you get to spend with family and friends. Appreciate who YOU are.

Life is hard… But that’s what makes it worth living.

Share this with your friends. I have found reading these words make me feel much better. These are just words on a screen. I understand fully that no one can completely comprehend what someone else is going through, but I hope this brings you some comfort.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255