Depression is a common and serious mental illness but the most misinformed one as well. Many people say around lightly that they are feeling depressed referring to the emotions of sadness or feeling down. Depression is more than just feeling down and having a bad day. Depression interferes with everyday functioning. Many symptoms are associated with depression but not all people having depression may experience all those symptoms. People with depression all have different understanding and experiences of it, but the underlying thing is that it interferes with your everyday activities and lifestyle.
For some people, depression might be a feeling of sadness or for others, it could be a feeling of emptiness. For some, it can be hopelessness or for some, it could feel like a tremendous loss. Every person feels differently. And having depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Suffering from any mental health disorder is not your fault, or anyone else’s for that matter. Sometimes our lifestyles, surroundings indeed influence our mental health but just like any other physical disorder, it happens due to ill-functioning of hormones and can happen to anyone.
Usually, depression is associated with other mental health disorders or physical health disorders and is treatable. Any mental health disorder takes a heavy toll on the person suffering from it and his/her loved ones as well. It is a common illness worldwide, but that doesn’t make it any less worrisome or serious. An estimate of 3.8% of the population is affected by clinical depression. Depression greatly affects a person’s work/school or relationships. At most severe, it can lead to suicide. Over 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. Although there are effective treatments for mental disorders, more than 75% of people in low-and middle-income countries receive no treatment.
There are lots of social stigmas associated with mental disorders which aid towards a decrease in effective care and treatments, other than which finance also plays a big role as not everyone can afford the treatment. There is a big gap in the overcoming of mental health, but we can start with awareness.