10/30: Health blog: Depression
By Julia Carlucci/Online Reporter
I know that every month stands for about 20 different things each year, but there’s something important about October. October is National Depression Awareness Month. Why is that so important, you ask? Well, unfortunately, that cheesy Cymbolta is right.
Depression doesn’t affect only one person. Depression affects everyone around them.
Now, the Counseling Center has already had its workshop on mood disorders, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find answers. The Counseling Center has pamphlets and counselors that anyone in EIU can go to talk to if they’re worried about themselves or someone they know. But before you freak out and start thinking you or anyone else is depressed just because they’re sad for a day, you need to take a step back, maybe several. People do feel sad or depressed at times. You can be sad because you failed a test you studied for, your boyfriend or girlfriend dumped you, or even you’re just having a bad day. But when those feelings last for days and weeks, then there’s a problem. That could be a sign of clinical depression, a treatable medical condition.
Here are some facts and myths for you.
Fact: Most people with depression never go to a mental health professional. If someone who knows you comes to you thinking you’re depressed, don’t turn away from them. Hear them out first because what you don’t see about yourself, your friends will see and talk to you about.
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse. There’s a saying the anonymous “they” say, it’s misery loves company. Well, depression doesn’t want company because company and talking is what helps relieve a person from depression.
Myth: Being optimistic can cure depression. Most cases of depression do require talking things over with a professional. Medications are required in more serious cases to help normalize brain chemicals. Optimism is a way of thinking, whereas depression is an imbalance in brain chemicals. More exercise and a change in diet can help improve a person’s mood but it may not be enough for a depressed person.
So if you think you or a person you know is depressed, talk to them or a professional about it. Depression doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. All you need is a little push in the right direction to help alleviate depression. Don’t keep quiet if you think someone is depressed. Depression can be dealt with. Depression can be conquered.