Depression is one of those difficult topics that most have trouble understanding without experiencing it first-hand or through a loved-one. It’s often criticized and those who suffer from depression are often overlooked or not taken seriously.

It’s very possible that you or someone you know suffers from depression and it’s important to be educated on the issue. Here are some things you need to know about depression.

What is Depression?

The word depression seems to trigger a lot of confusion today as many use it to define a temporary negative feeling like loneliness, sadness and so on. It’s important to note that yes, everyone has bad days or low periods when something upsetting happens. But what’s not normal is to have prolonged periods of sadness that may even affect daily life. In fact, depression isn’t really even classified as a mood. Instead, the word actually represents a mental disorder that causes an individual to experience sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, guilt and so on.

Who is More Vulnerable to Depression?

Everyone is really susceptible to depression to some extent but there are some individuals that may be more at risk than others.

• Those suffer from a disease or illness
• Veterans who have faced combat
• Children that have experienced trauma or bullying
• Individuals with a family history of mental illness
• Certain medications can trigger depressive side-effects
• Individuals with low self-esteem or pessimistic personality
• Age—depression often begins in the teens, 20s or 30s but can happen at any age
• Prolonged periods of sadness or despair
• Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Lack of energy or constant tired feeling
• Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide, plan to commit suicide and/or attempted suicide
• Feeling of hopelessness

Is Depression Isn’t Always Preventable

Although depression can be treated in the majority of cases, there isn’t always a way to prevent the disorder from affecting an individual. This is because depression can be triggered by a chemical malfunction in the brain. That said, even this form of depression can be helped and alleviated by treatment or more naturally by forming healthy habits like eating right and exercising.

Depression Can be Treated

Yes! Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses, but the good news is that in most cases, it can be treated. This is why it’s so important that those suffering are able to seek the appropriate health and receive

There are Many Signs

Depression comes in many different forms and can show through various different signs. Here are some common issues you’ll want to look out for:

How You Can Help Yourself or Others

• Educate yourself
• Seek help or encourage your friend to do so
• Be there and be supportive
• Don’t be afraid to reach out
• Take up a hobby
• Aim for 8 hours of sleep
• Be aware of suicide risk

Depression is a very real issue today. It’s important that we are all educated whether you’re suffering from it or know someone who may be.

Depression can trigger or worsen thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you or someone you know is having these thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).