7 Things I Wish I Could Tell People About Depression | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

7 Things I Wish I Could Tell People About Depression

It's more common than you think.

54
7 Things I Wish I Could Tell People About Depression
David Preston // Unsplash

A long time ago, the only way to cure a mentally ill person was to scramble their brains until they lost all personality. This wasn't actually a cure for them, but it made the lives of the people running asylums much easier. Today, we are much more knowledgeable about behavioral health, but there are still a lot of stigmas and misconceptions. I have only experienced depression, so I will only describe something that I know. So here are 7 things I wish I could tell everyone about depression.


1. I can't just "get over it"

If only it was that easy, Deborah.


2. Yoga is not a cure-all.

This one comes in many forms. Whether it's yoga, eating healthy, journaling, coloring, religion, etc. Yes, these work for a lot of people, but it isn't a cure-all.

3. My medicine does NOT turn me into a zombie.

Actually, my medicine does what it's supposed to do, help me. Psychiatric drugs have this stigma because everyone is different and it often takes a few tries to find the combination of medicines that are the best for you. My pills don't take away my creativity or anything like that. They just help me out of my lows.


4. I am more than my depression.

I'm an intersectional feminist. My favorite color is purple and I hate bananas. I've loved books since I was little and I'm a proud older sister to three wonderful brothers and sister. Yes, my depression is something I have to manage, but it does not define me.


5. Suicide and Self-harm are nothing to joke about.

The most terrifying thing I've ever experienced is craving death. Self-harm was something I struggled with for years, and I'm reminded of it every summer when I try to wear shorts. There are something you just don't joke about. This is one of them.


6. I'm not fragile.

Sometimes, yes, I need to care for myself, but I am just as strong as anyone else. You aren't going to say anything that will send me into a down spiral. I'm just a normal person.


7. It's more common than you think.


According to Mental Health America, 1 in 5 adults has a mental health condition. That's over 40 million Americans. Mental Health is stigmatized, so we are all scared to talk about it, but the truth is it's more common than most think and talking about it can only help the people struggling with it.



So If you have may think you have a mental health condition, please seek help. If you are contemplating self-harm or suicide. Please call the National Suicide Hotline immediately at 1-800-273-8255.

Remember, don't ever be ashamed of yourself. You are perfect just as you are. If that means dealing with a mental illness, then you are all the more stronger for rising to the challenge.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2298
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1385
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200623
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21170
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments