Depression is very much a real struggle for many people. What many people fail to understand is that depression is not simply feeling sad or down, it’s a mental disorder that can be broken down and separated into different categories. Last week, I talked about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the effects it had on individuals throughout the gloomy fall and winter months, but depression also encompasses: Major Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Depression, Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Situational Depression, and Atypical Depression.
All of these vary slightly depending on the diagnosis, but common problems exist between all of them. According to the American Psychological Association’s website, those with depression will often experience:
“… lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.”
The American Psychological Association goes on to state that depression is the most common mental disorder, which might explain the ads on TV that people see.
Even though Depression is common, people often confuse symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression, and simple sadness. To explain, here’s Hank Green, brother to the author, John Green, and one of the hosts for Crash Course, a PBS funded, educational YouTube channel:
Whether you know someone who is fighting depression or are struggling with it yourself, knowing and recognizing the symptoms, having a support system, and reaching out for help when necessary are incredibly important and necessary in order to treat the disorder.
This is what makes our jobs at Reside so sweet; we have the opportunity to provide support for individuals who might be going through a hard time. If you have the opportunity to be supportive, then do so! It can make all the difference in the world to someone.
