Discussion on Depression
What is it about depression that makes people so nervous?? That makes people gasp when the subject is mentioned. That’s an interesting question isn’t it?
Well, I’d really like to know the answer, wouldn’t you? In fact, I can only guess that people still believe it’s taboo to talk about depression. Hello……it is now the 21st Century and well into the 1st decade. It is 2007. I think the time is ripe for education and discussion on this subject.
You see, for the past 20+ years I have dealt with this condition and with the types of discrimination and isolation associated with depression. The great news is, I found a solution to this debilitating condition that I will share in up coming articles but my focus here is to create awareness and invite discussion on the subject.
But I almost feel embarrassed to type the word…..DEPRESSION. And why, you ask? Because most people will shy away from it, ignore it and pretend it simply doesn’t exist.
It does exist and more people around the world are being diagnosed with depression than ever before. It affects all ages…..from young children, teenagers, adults and older people. It’s not something that gets passed down from generation to generation. Although there is some evidence to suggest a possible risk factor could be hereditary. Much the same as heart disease and breast cancer in your family history could be seen as a risk factor. It’s not infectious, so it can’t be caught like a cold.
If you were to ask anyone who has had a physical illness or an accident, they will gladly go into graphic detail about their circumstances. Some might even start from the beginning and take you step by step through the process, even if it spans years and for as long as you continue to listen. But you only have to ask someone to listen to a story of depression and they will very quickly find something better to do or simply change the subject. This doesn’t apply to everyone but it does apply to the majority unfortunately.
So how can this be turned around? Only through discussion and education. You see, people who have this condition are not crazy, they are not delusional. They are regular people, with regular lives and regular families and regular friends. Just like you! If you met me in the street today, you wouldn’t know that I’m on anti-depressant medication. If you met me a few years ago, you wouldn’t know either. Even the people I work with today don’t know I take medication. Am I concealing it from them? No. Have I spoken opening about depression with them? Yes. And most of them say they can’t understand how people let themselves get into that position. As though it was their own fault they became depressed. Hmm….a lack of education perhaps?
Tags: depression, understanding depression
