October is National Depression Awareness Month.
Even though I’ve written about depression before, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about it again.
FACTS:
1) Most people who are depressed, about two-thirds, do not seek treatment.
2) Women are TWICE as likely to suffer from depression as men.
3) Exercise can alleviate depression and is the easiest and least expensive way to be proactive in depression treatment.
4) There are different types of depression (reactive depression – brought on my traumatic event, seasonal effective disorder – lack of sunlight, depression caused by disease or drugs)
5) Depression and sadness are not the same.
6) Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
7) Most people who do seek treatment, about 80%, show sound improvement.
STATS:
I know that talking about depression isn’t the easiest thing to do with those you love, but if you or someone you know suffers from depression, please take action.
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Judy H.
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Kristen, I can't thank you enough for this post. I have endured 28 years of chronic, sometimes severe depression coupled with sever anxiety. My life has changed dramatically since the onset of the depression not only from the disease, but also from friends and family who did not know the facts or take the time the time to find out the facts about the nature of the disease. The accusations and stigma directed toward me were as painful as the depression itself. Many of friends I had at church and at my children's school turned against me or were afraid of me and the friendships dissolved. I no longer attend church and rarely leave my house. Fortunately, my husband, my parents and some of my siblings sought out all of the information they could, visited with my physician and have been my support and salvation. People need to educate themselves about depression, understand that it is a disease and cannot just be "willed" away. People like yourselves are our only hope and I am so grateful to you for your enlightenment and willingness to share.
Patti Tucker
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Judy, I'm so sorry that you have suffered for so long and at such depths. On the other hand, I'm happy that you are under a doctor's care and that you have a support system. Thank you for coming by and sharing with us.
Megan @ All That Glitters
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Exercise! It makes you feel so much better! I always say, a long run is cheaper than therapy:) Great post!
Patti Tucker
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
Running has long been my therapy.
Kristen @ Ladybug Blessings
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
thank you for sharing these facts. We need to realize that when people are helped and we recognize depression that we can save lives.
Patti Tucker
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
You are welcome, Kristen and I agree. There's no reason why anyone should suffer alone.
Colleen Pence
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
These are eye-opening statistics, Patti. Thank you for talking about this important (yet sometimes taboo) topic.
Patti Tucker
Wednesday 1st of October 2014
The more I research depression, the more sobering it is. We gotta get past thinking that somehow those who suffer from it are to blame.