Depression: The Nation-Wide Epidemic

 Depression affects more than 21 million adults and children across America.  It is a scary, chronic illness that has drastically increased in popularity in the past 10 years.  We hear about teens conflicting with this deadly disorder, being bullied or mocked and driven to commit suicide. Pretty much all of us can count off numerous people we know battling depression for one reason or another, and taking anti-depressants to try and fight it. I can think of at least 4 teen suicides; friends of my friends from nearby high schools that have taken place in the past two years.  It's obviously a growing issue. We see the articles, we watch the news and think "oh how sad,  that poor family..."  but what do we really do to make a difference?

  The Symptoms

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• fatigue and decreased energy
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• feelings of hopelessness
• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• irritability, restlessness
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• overeating or appetite loss
• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

 Now some of these aren't surprising at all, and I'm sure we all possess at least a few of these symptoms at one time or another.  The real issue is in overlooking the signs in our own friends and family.  We need to recognize the symptoms and educate ourselves.  Depression is nothing to mess around with!

Personally, I have many relatives that struggle with chronic depression and are taking medication to help.  Sometimes it is very apparent when someone is depressed, and sometimes it is nearly impossible to tell.  In today's society depression medication is among the top 10 best-selling prescription drugs.  I believe it truly
does help because a big part of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication can definitely help regulate those hormones and release serotonin to lessen the feelings of depression.

The only true answer to depression is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the only thing that can fulfill you and give you purpose and hope.   His love and his peace has gotten me through even the seemingly impossible situations in my life, and I know he always will. I also am sure that if the world knew there was a God who loved them and longed for them to turn to him, there wouldn't be nearly as many suicides and much lower rates of depression. I want to be someone's hope.  I want to show them that they do have a purpose on this earth and that there is a God who loves them more than they can understand. I want to share that I've found the only source of true Joy that exists.  <3

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose
hope is in his unfailing love,"
Psalm 33:18  

What can you do? 

Here is a list of suicidal symptoms a person might show when they are considering taking their own life:

Warning signs

• a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• always talking or thinking about death
• clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
• losing interest in things one used to care about
• making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• talking about suicide
• visiting or calling people one cares about

We all have the ability to help stop teen suicides from becoming an every day occurrence.  We can be someone's answer, someones ray of hope in such a dark, evil world.  The biggest way you can impact someone's life is giving them your time.  Show them that you care by listening, and getting to know them and what's going on in their lives.  When someone shows me love in any sort of way, the last thing I feel is hopeless!