Hi there! You’re probably wondering what this blog and its sister podcast are all about. Well then, this is where depressed people can feel part of a group. A group that lets you know you are not alone during these hard times. A group that is there for you when you are trying to change for the better, find practical skills for life, and undergo the necessary lifestyle changes necessary to feel at your optimal level. I’m here to help you and help myself in the process. We are not alone. Depression is more common than you might think. For a list of all my blog posts, click here.
Depression is rampant. It is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States (Major Depression, 2022). In 2022, about 50 million American adults suffer from a mental illness with 3.7 million more American youths (ages 12-17) suffering from at least one major depressive episode (Reinert, M., Nguyen, T., Fritze, D., 2021). That’s about 1 of every 6 people that you know (2020 Census State Redistricting Data, 2021; Reinert et. al., 2021). And those are pre-pandemic statistics. It is estimated that about 28% of people -or more than 1 in 4 people- are now depressed (McKoy, 2021). Regardless, know that you are not alone and that you can do something about it. It all starts with awareness.
Some of the symptoms of depression include: a depressed mood most of the day, insomnia or hypersomnia, feelings of restlessness or feeling slowed down, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, indecisiveness, and suicidal ideation for at least two weeks (Major Depressive Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria, 2013). For an elaborate list, click here.
You have to decide when, where, and if you want to start your change. Remember, this is a life process and not just something you do once, and you’re cured. You have to put all of your efforts into this new you because you will be adopting a whole new set of habits and a new lifestyle. Wave good-bye to the old you. I will be adopting this life for myself, and I hope many of you do, too. As time progresses, I hope we can better cope with this depression. We will. We can do this! Feel free to comment down below on your current thoughts and feelings about this journey we are about to embark on and I will do so as well.
Manifest Dreams: How to Change Your Negative Beliefs Now
Manifest Dreams: How to Make Positive Affirmations Work for You
Manifest Dreams: How to Challenge Your Self-Limiting Beliefs
The Alarming Truth About Depression: What Now?
Disclaimer: This site and its contents are for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
References
(2021). 2020 Census State Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File—[name of state]. U.S. Census Bureau.
Fulghum Bruce, D. (2021, September 17). Symptoms of Depression. Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#:~:text=If%20your%20symptoms%20of%20depression%20are%20causing%20problems,your%20symptoms%20stay%20for%20any%20length%20of%20time.
Maddy Reinert, T. N. (2021). The State of Mental Health in America 2022. Alexandria, VA: Mental Health America.
Major Depression. (2022, January). Retrieved from National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
Major Depressive Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria. (2013). In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth edition (pp. 160-165). Arlington: American Psychiatric Association.
McKoy, J. (2021, October 4). Depression Rates Tripled and Symptoms Intensified during First Year of COVID. Retrieved from BU: School of Public Health: https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2021/depression-rates-tripled-and-symptoms-intensified-during-first-year-of-covid/
The signs of depression and when to seek help. (2022). Retrieved from Piedmont: https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-signs-of-depression-and-when-to-seek-help