Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world today. It is characterized as having intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation to continue everyday activities for long periods of time. It’s not a simple diagnosis of the blues–it’s more of a complex and challenging condition to the mind and body. Depression is an invisible battle that at least one in six people worldwide has experienced. According to a CDC report, a 2023 national survey found the rate to be nearly three in ten adults (29%) with a history of diagnosis. 

Depression can hit nearly anyone without them even noticing. It can result from social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through abuse, severe losses, or other effective events are more likely to develop depression; even stress at school and work can lead to depression for both adults and children. 

Everyone experiences depression, but may experience it through different ways; however, the most common symptoms to look out for are:

• Persistent low mood or feeling sad

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

• Irritability or restlessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Other possible symptoms may also vary: physical aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems, reduced sex drive, and slowed speech or movements. It is important to know that not everyone who experiences or has experienced depression has contact with all of these symptoms. Every single individual has a different response as the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. 

Despite depression being a very common mental illness, it can be cured. There isn’t exactly a “permanent” cure, but effective treatments such as therapy, change in lifestyle, medication, or a combination of these can bring relief to anyone suffering with this illness. Seeking help is highly important because if you don’t, it’ll feel like you are trapped in an endless cycle of complete sadness and apathy, your body and mind rejecting  anything and  just stuck in one place. 

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to depression is reaching out for help. Many people feel ashamed of their illness or even guilty, they find their illness as a sign of weakness or even personal failure, this mindset makes it harder and even prevents them from seeking help as depression is often misunderstood and viewed as a lack of willpower.

It should be essential that we treat depression the same way we treat other medical conditions, we should have them to be heard and to feel seen instead of feeling invisible and sorry because of their mental illness, which can happen from societal stigma; stems from a lack of understanding and fear, leading individuals to feelings of self-blame through a moral perspective rather than a legitimate illness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or may show symptoms, don’t wait too late to seek help and just know that you are not alone. Talking openly with anyone like a therapist, family members, even a friend can lower the stigma. Healing takes time, but with support and treatment, recovery is definitely possible.

Resources and Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.s.): Dial 988 for free, confidential support 24/7

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for education, resources, and support groups.

International Help: Visit findahelpline.com to connect with support lines worldwide.

ADAA: The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides a directory to find licensed mental health professionals specializing in depression.