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The idea is simple. Let’s teach each other about each other. About our health and wellbeing. And about our illnesses. Furthermore, let's dispense this knowledge to our surroundings. Because an illness changes with perception, and this perception can make all the difference in the way we live.

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Depression

 

 

 

What About the Elderly? A look at Depression in Older Populations

Audrey Sloma

If someone were asked to picture an elderly person, it would be likely they would picture someone who is wise, with years of experience under their belt- possibly a doting grandparent, but rarely would the image of a depressed individual come to mind.  Because of this stereotype, depression among seniors tends to go unrecognized and is brushed off as a result of aging.  However, senior citizens tend to be one of the most at risk demographics for depression. 

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The Prison of Depression: Mental Health of the Incarcerated

Audrey Sloma

It’s no secret that depression is prevalent in our society.  It’s one of the most common mental illnesses, with 6.7% of adults in the United States suffering every year from symptoms of hopelessness, persistent sadness, changes in appetite, and loss of interest and energy (NIMH, n.d.).  However, even with major depressive disorder being such a common illness, the United States lacks adequate resources to care for those suffering due to a decrease in mental health funding.  Other issues include, the closing of state owned psychiatric hospitals and failure of doctors following up with patients after medical care (Treatment Advocacy Center, 2014).

 

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Heartbroken: Is Depression a risk factor for heart disease?

Danling Chen

While clinical depression is classified as a mental illness, it can nonetheless give rise to a number of somatic (physical) symptoms. From headaches to weight loss, depression’s effects on the body are numerous and well documented. Now, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, we can count coronary heart disease among the physical conditions with a correlation (but not causative effect!) to depression.   

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Churchill’s Unlikely Source of Success: The Black Dog

Yasharah Raza

Would you believe me if I said World War II may have been won as a result of something as simple as a black dog? No, not the black dog as in the barking canine. The term “black dog” was made infamous by Winston Churchill when he used it to describe his periods of depression. The term is still in use today as synonymous with depression.

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tags winston churchill, stigma in the usa, usa, stigma, depression, mental illnesses

“Living in a Material World:” Materialistic People More Likely to be Depressed?

Danling Chen

We’ve all heard Madonna’s famous and catchy eighties single “Material Girl” with a tongue-in-cheek declaration of herself as a material girl. Most of us would agree that in today’s consumerist society, we are indeed “living in a material world.”  While stores are churning out the latest high-priced products, and advertisements plastered across every medium are screaming out for our attention, we are rapidly amassing material possessions. But do they actually make our lives any better? A recent study conducted at Baylor University, and published inPersonality and Individual Differences, points to the very opposite; researchers found that individuals who were more materialistic had lower levels of life satisfaction, and were more likely to be depressed. 

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“Narrative Enhancement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy”

Yasharah Raza

There is no doubt that a stigma towards depression and mental illness exists in society, but when the stigma that is prevalent is internalized, there can be serious negative outcomes. Internalized stigma can lead to many complications, and can worsen the symptoms of already existing consequences of mental illness. Scientific evidence that shows that in 1 out of every 3 people suffering from mental illness, the rate of internalized stigma is higher, which compromises the outcomes of recovery (Yanos). 

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tags depression, stigma in the usa, stigma, NECT

Overworked and Overwhelmed: Depression in College

Danling Chen

by: Danling Chen

While depression can strike at any age, did you know that it is most prevalent in people aged 18 to 25 (NIMH)? Not coincidentally, this is also the typical age range for the first onset of mental illness. Scientists estimate that at any given time, ten to fifteen percent of teenagers and young adults are experiencing depression. This is an especially daunting prospect for college students, who are often away from home for the first time, and may not know how to cope with their feelings of despondency.

A study conducted by the American College Health Association in 2011 found that roughly 30% of college students at 2 to 4 year universities report feeling “so depressed it was difficult to function” at some time during the school year. Not a terribly surprising finding when considering the numerous challenges that college students face. Plunged into an unfamiliar environment, away from home for the first time, young adults in college must grapple with feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and academic pressure.

College students with depression are more likely to experience alcohol abuse, succumb to cigarette addiction, and engage in unsafe sex. Many individuals fail to seek help because they are unaware of the resources available to them, fear the judgment of their peers, or simply don’t think they need outside help. However, the worst consequence of untreated depression—suicide—is the third leading cause of death for young adults aged 15-24. It is always the safer option to seek help, rather than attempt to “wait out” the feelings.

Numerous low-cost, confidential services exist specifically to help college students cope with depression. Nearly every college or university has a counseling center oriented to students who are struggling to adjust to the new social and academic environment. Counselors help students to develop coping skills, and make lifestyle changes if need be. If finances are a concern, most colleges have student health centers able to dispense prescribed medications at reduced cost. For students in immediate need of someone to talk to, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-TALK operates 24/7, and provides both advice and assistance to anybody who calls.

From personal crises to academic stressors, college students face an entire host of challenges that can significantly impact their performance. There is no shame in seeking help, and students should know how very important it is to tackle depression sooner rather than later. To those who may be struggling with depression, know this: 3 in 10 people are depressed, and you are not as alone as may think yourself to be.

References

Heller, K. (2012). Depression in Teens and Children. Psych Central. Retrieved on March 1, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/depression-in-teens-and-children/00010763

Tartakovsky, M. (2008). Depression and Anxiety Among College Students.Psych Central. Retrieved on March 1, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/depression-and-anxiety-among-college-students/0001425

NIMH. Major Depressive Disorder Among Adults. Retrieved on March 1, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1mdd_adult.shtml

 

Like Riding a Bicycle

Yasharah Raza

Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Sometimes the stigma that surrounds depression can make an individual retreat within themselves and stop them from going out to seek the help that they need. When those who suffer from depression fear society’s perception of them, they may be too embarrassed to reach out, halting their road to recovering from this ailment. This standstill can make it very difficult to maintain a healthy balance in one’s life. As a society, we should be more open and accepting of all kinds of ailments, as the best medicine sometimes can come from a helping hand, an attentive ear, and a caring heart.

Mariya Guryeva, a human rights activist and a former victim of depression herself, provides insight to the stigma surrounding depression, and some words of advice to those suffering from depression in the following video:

Mariya Guryeva speaks about the stigma against depression in the USA.

As Mariya says, depression does not have to define a person. Society’s labels are not the be-all and end-all when it comes to people. Depression may be a part of some human experiences, but together, with the right support, anyone can get through it, and in the end, this struggle will lead to insurmountable growth. Depression is not a weakness; if allowed to do so, this obstacle can become an immense strength.

To those who may be suffering from depression: don’t let a stigma cause your life to come to a standstill. Your life has so much potential. Be confident and seek the help you need. Find your motivation and always remember: you must always keep moving.