A Word about Depression

I am not a clinician. The opinions expressed in this journal are only mine, although they are informed by scientific evidence. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about depression and mental health. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for guidance from a qualified mental health professional.

It's been a while since I wrote about mental health. Maybe that's because I've been feeling great. When I did write about mental diseases, it was almost always bipolar disorder because that's what I know the most about. But I think depression is a common complaint in our deviantART community as well, and I wanted to reach out to some of you who may be feeling alone. You're not alone. In fact, thousands if not millions of people around the world are feeling the same way right now. Let's support each other.

Depression is a mood disorder-- that is, a medical condition that impacts how you feel mood-wise. Depression is more than just "having a bad day." It varies in severity but can be devastating and even deadly. It's more than being sad; it involves feeling hopeless, worthless, and alone... sometimes numb, sometimes in deep pain... sometimes aggravated or irritated, sometimes withdrawn. The experience of depression varies by individual, but there are some common symptoms; you can find those symptoms here.

People act differently when they are feeling depressed. It is not uncommon for people to push family and friends away or to stop doing activities that they used to enjoy. One of the warning signs of depression is that you no longer get pleasure out of the things that used to make you happy. Its really frustrating because that makes it easy to push people away or to quit activities, jobs, etc. that you really enjoy. There are cognitive (thought) changes that can fuel depression, which is why depression is so often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For example, someone with depression may say, "He doesn't like me" or "That will never work," even when there is evidence to the contrary!

Things and ideas that looked promising yesterday suddenly seem hopeless today. Feeling hopeless is another hallmark of depression; you may stop seeing the point in doing certain things, feeling like everything you do is doomed to fail.

Also, people living with depression may take things very personally when they are not personal at all. For example, let's say someone critiqued my latest photomanipulation (which NEEDS to be critiqued, by the way-- it is terrible!). That person could have intended to help me grow as an artist, but sometimes, if I am depressed, I may see it as a personal attack. Maybe, to me, "work on blending some more" sounded like an insult to my blending skills, and I got angry. So, I might attack back, whereas I never would do that if I were feeling well. Personal relationships can be harmed in this manner. Patience is really important, and sometimes we're just not patient with one another these days.

Here is a resource that has scientific information about anything you want to know related to depression.

A word about suicide: being "depressed" is not the same as being "suicidal." Thankfully, not everyone who gets depression will think about taking their own lives, BUT suicidality is a serious risk associated with the disease. This is why it is so critical to get treatment for depression (and, by all means, if you or someone you love is feeling suicidal, get them help immediately by calling your local emergency number (911 in the US)).

Why am I telling you all of this? I wanted to reach out to others who may be feeling the same way and let you know you're not alone. I wanted to open a dialogue about these issues and give people a platform for expressing how they feel. And more than anything, I wanted to encourage those of you who are not feeling depressed to be patient with those of us who are.

A few partners and I are getting together to form a new group for promoting education about mental health and well-being here on dA. We would welcome you to join us. If you're interested and want to help, please leave a note on this journal or note me (Aeirmid) privately, and we'll be sure to include you in planning efforts. Our plan is to deal with one type of mental health condition per month and focus on art creation for empowerment, support advocacy, hold contests, and share up-to-date scientific information.

Finally, if you are dealing with depression, please seek expert medical help. Your light is important in this world, and we want you to shine it as strongly as possible.


Peace--

Jade