Recently there has been quite a bit of news coverage on the medical condition known as depression, largely as the result of the suicide of an in-law of a so called “prominent” American family. To hear it from members of this family, the deceased in-law was a victim of depression and there was nothing that could be done to help her. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Depression is a treatable medical condition which comes about in children and adults as the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Many people suffer from this condition and unfortunately, many who do suffer fail to seek treatment. You see, there is still a stigma attached to this disease which stops people from seeking help. This stigma is largely the result of the lack of understanding of the disease by the general public and the perceived weakness of a person (especially a man) who seeks help for a mental health disease. As one who suffers from depression, I can honestly say it took me many years before I asked for help because of these same reasons. The important thing to remember is that help is available for this disease just like any other medical disease.
If you believe you may be afflicted with depression, start a dialogue with your regular physician, who may then assist you in coordinating a course of treatment. Effective treatment may involve what is commonly called “talk therapy” with a qualified therapist. This type of therapy may also be accompanied by the prescribing of one of the very effective medications that are available for the treatment of this disease. The important thing to remember is that treatment is readily available, and there is no need to suffer in silence from this medical condition. You will undoubtedly find that your family and friends will be very supportive of your efforts in seeking help, even if you can’t fully explain all that is happening to you or they don’t fully understand what it means to have depression.
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Don’t be fooled by the pronouncements from this so called “prominent” American family that someone with depression is an incurable victim of the disease. If you think you may be afflicted with this disease, seek medical treatment as you would if you had the flu. Don’t let the perceived stigma of this disease stop you from getting the help you need to feel better and keep this disease in check. You will be glad you did.
