Mental Health Monday 7/12/2010

I often hear people in normal day to day conversations say things like "I am so depressed" when they don't have the pastry at Starbucks that you really wanted. I also hear things like "That is depressing" when you hear that there is a quiz in your next class. These things are completely normal to hear in your life but they irk me a bit because depression is such a serious issue for so many.

Today I thought I would take the time to write up some things about Depression and also give you a link to a self test in case you feel you may be suffering from depression.

The first thing I want to say is that depression is not "being bummed, sad, down, or having a bad day." Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. More than 20 million people in America alone suffer from depression. It usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30 It is more common in women and can obviously be experienced in new mothers as "postpartum depression" which is a whole other topic.

Depression is also ONE part of bipolar disorder (which is again, another topic altogether). Many people do get better when being treated with antidepressant medications and talk therapy.

About.com has put out a very simple depression self test that is available online.

Go here for the self assessment.

If you find that you have most of these symptoms, please see a mental health care provider and let someone help you. Depression is very serious and hurts so much. I pray that each of you are able to navigate through it if you struggle with it.