Can We Talk About Depression?

Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. - American Psychiatric Association

At one point in anyone's life, we all feel sad. Sadness does not necessarily mean you're depressed. However, sadness is the most common symptom of depression. I'm a psychiatric nurse and I had met a number of patients with depression that require serious professional attention. An individual who can no longer make the every day normal activities because their mind is like in a trance. They refuse to move, too lazy to get out of bed, take a bath and even eat. Stayed on bed but never sleeps.

I decided to talk about this because I know there could be a lot of young people out there currently experiencing the symptoms without their family or friends' knowing. The increasing suicide rate in this generation is heart breaking. We might not know it but it is important to check on your friends or loved ones as well. I had my own suicidal ideation, if I could be honest. I had my own episodes of sadness, emptiness, stress, too much probems that I thought of giving up, not just once but many times. But if I could cry it out loud, I would and if I could talk about it with my friends or family, I would. If I can't talk about it yet, I write it down. Like the poem above. And the most important is prayer. Pray that you'll heal, pray for your friend who is down right now. Be mindful and talk to your friend who's feeling sad right now, you might be a great help for him/her to stand back up. And don't be afraid to get some help. Keep living!😊