Depression: A Fight Worth Fighting

Hello, over the many years I've been alive I've encountered a lot of things that have been utterly terrifying and mysterious; however, none of them come close to how awful and terrifying depression is. Many people I've come into contact with claim that they know depression and when I ask they say its sadness. While it does include sadness and despair it's so much more. Within the further ends of this reading I will explain the signs of depression, depression itself, and how to support yourself or a loved one struggling with it.

First and foremost before I continue, if you or anyone you know is struggling or a danger to themselves -or anyone else- please call the number below:
1-800-273-8255

Chapter 1: What is depression?

Through the last several decades people have defined depression in an assortment of ways, some colorful and well explained, and some that were simple and short. Some say its sadness, some say its hating yourself. The definitions of depression and how one views it is strictly based upon what they experience.
"I would say it's your mind in pure agony. You want to escape, but you can't stop thinking about it and you build walls up to confine it, but your confing yourself in that torture as well." According to Veronica, a student in New Mexico.
Although sadness is a symptom of depression, sadness is not the same. Depression is a severe mental disorder characterized by a series of signs. Sadness is the feeling you get after a break up or the loss of a loved one.
Depression is something that interferes with every day normal functions.
"Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s. Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children. In fact, high levels of anxiety as a child could mean a higher risk of depression as an adult." Says NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health).
Furthermore, "Depression can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression. A doctor experienced in treating these complicated illnesses can help work out the best treatment strategy."

Chapter 2: Signs

Depression isn't a single entity and has an endless array of signs as to which identify a person with said disorder. The most prominant of which is, of course, sadness. Sadness can be defined as the condition or quality of being sad. This emotion, sadness, can cause you to lose interest in activities that once seemed like a viable option. For example, John Doe can love to write or play video games, but when sadness kicks in he loses interest and has no drive for it. As simple as that may be, it can be alarming at times depending on the severity. It can cause lack ofappetite, lack of interest, suicidal ideation, unhealthy behavior (i.e. fighting, misbehavior, poor grades, etc.), and more. One form of misbehavior includes a short temper and lashing out on simple things.
Another sign can be loss of socialization. When depression kicks in, for many people, it can cause a steep drop in the willingness to socialize. This sometimes may be necessary but may reach unhealthy levels if maintained constantly (isolation).
Alongside isolation and loss of interest studies have reported substance abuse as a sign of depression. When people get to a low that they can't escape they tend to rely on negative coping skills. This ranges from drinking to doing drugs.
When you look at depression you may see other signs such as fatigue. Yes, fatigue can be a sign of several disorders but depression can be a draining illness and may cause a lack of energy according to Psychology Today.
A more unpleasurable sign of a loved one struggling with depression is lack of self care. This goes all across the board from basic hygiene to even socializing at work/school. People who struggle from depression may not shower for days at a time, they may not eat, they may resist or not have the ability to sleep or have a normal sleep schedule. One of the most negative coping skills that takes place is self harm. Self harm comes in a variety of methods.
The most daunting sign, atleast it's most conflicting, is the person has a sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, uselessness, and more. They begin to isolate and eat themselves alive. This aching and longing for love and a sense of not only self worth but general worth can become fatal if it manifests too much.