It’s time to talk depression
In 2015 it was estimated that 16.1 million adults in America had one major depressive episode within the year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That’s 6.7 percent of all American adults.
Depression is often spoken about in hushed tones, even though it happens to be in the forefront of many people’s lives. It’s time that we have a real discussion about it.
For me, depression is like having a shadow that isn’t mine. I know it’s always there, and sometimes it swallows my body whole. But the thing about depression is that there’s more there than
people assume.
Depression makes people feel a wide range of things. Sometimes I feel like I’m on top of the world, and other days I feel like if I get out of bed, my world will fall apart. These are the two ends of my spectrum. I have mild depression. The days when I feel like my world will fall apart are the
hardest academically.
I know that I have to get out of bed for class and work, but the shadow of uncertainty wraps around me like an itchy wool blanket. So what happens when I do get to class and work? Well, when I do get around to those things, I have a hard time concentrating because I just want to go back to my dorm and sleep it off.
Depression touches every part of a person’s life, and sometimes we just need someone to reach out.
Having a strong support system is one way to help ease the burden that depression inflicts. Another way, which I utilize, is taking an antidepressant. I know my medicine can only do so much, so I go to the Cook House for student counseling. Other ways to combat depression include exercise, a healthy diet and spending time outdoors.
Something that I’ve found that what really helps is just spending time with my friends. Laughing and talking with others is a huge relief in life.
Finding something you’re really passionate about and sticking to it is another big thing. It can be anything that’s constructive, like painting, writing or even just hanging around dogs.
If there’s anything that I’ve learned while managing my depression and my first year of college, it’s that I can’t be afraid to ask for help. If I’m struggling, I talk to my roommate and my friends, play pool or just go hang out in the
Volante newsroom.
On my worst days, I am still a Coyote and even Coyotes have rough
patches sometimes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, I urge you to talk to someone. The Cook House is a great resource that we have available to us through student health. The number for the Cook House is (605) 677-5777.
