Everything You Need to Know About Depression & Fears

We live in a time of awareness. More people are aware of the signs mental illness in themselves and others, and more are learning how to be good allies. But even the most commonly known one—depression—has a lot of misconceptions around it that makes it hard for people to spot the warning signs to know if they need to seek help or how to be supportive of a loved one who is suffering. 

Situational or reactive depression is normal after major life events or in certain circumstances, such as the loss of a loved one, the sudden onset of another illness, moving to a new home, problems in relationships or at work or in school. Adjusting to life's changes can be a challenge for anyone. But a depression that lasts long enough and becomes severe enough to interfere with daily life and quality of life is something very different. 

So what is depression?

It's not just feeling sad. It can be feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, even numbness and anger can be a part of depression. It can bring on a strong sense of guilt and worthlessness, and when nothing feels fun anymore, not even your favorite hobbies, these feelings can snowball into an existence that feels foggy and detached. 

Don't let anyone tell you that it's “all in your head” either—It is quite literally an illness of the brain, so it IS in the head, but it's a very real chemical imbalance that also affects your entire body in other ways. Think about it, your brain and nervous system are the control center and communication highway of your body. If your brain is sick, this will affect your other bodily functions. Depression can cause sleep issues (either too much or not enough), fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, weight gain or loss, even chronic pain and digestive issues arise from depression. 

There are many different kinds of depression and everyone is affected differently. A family member's depression may manifest in completely different symptoms and behaviors than the depression your friend or partner experiences. Depression comes with different features, such as anxiety, mania, rejection sensitive dysphoria, addiction, and more. Common comorbid disorders that pair with depression are eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and narcolepsy. 

It's also important to keep in mind that depression, just like other illnesses, can be cyclic and run in patterns. Many people experience depression with the change of seasons. There is even a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in which the typical mood imbalances that come with PMS are much more severe than usual. 

And as we've seen from celebrities bravely coming forward about their depression, this illness not discriminate. You could be rich, successful, and confident in your physical appearance, but still be sick and need help. 

Thoughts of death and suicide is one of the scarier symptoms of depression, but one that still requires talking about. If you or a loved one experience thoughts of self-harm, this should be taken seriously. Do not hesitate to reach out to a hotline and remember that many different treatments are available for your specific needs.