Help others, help yourself

October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. It’s important to be educated on this topic and empathetic to the challenges that others are going through.

Signs of depression that should be recognized are long-lasting sadness or irritability, extremely high and low moods, or even dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits. For more signs you can look at 5 Warning Signs. If you are seeing these signs from someone you are close to, such as a friend or family member, don’t ask them questions about their emotions or state of mind that you think might be too overwhelming. Just let them know that you are there for them, and that, if they need anything, they can come to you, and stay true to that promise. Also, don’t be afraid to encourage them to reach out for professional help or to call a hotline like 866-305-0279 (MentalHelp.net).

There are many causes of depression but four major causes are 1) abuse, both mental and physical, 2) a death of a close person, 3) genetics, or 4) mental illness.

There are also different kinds of depressions, including Major Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder. People between the ages of 45 and 65 are at greater risk of getting depression, but that doesn’t mean they are the only ones to get it. Depression can start at a young age from trauma, genetics or other causes. If you fear you have depression, you can always talk to your school counselor, a parent, or a trusted adult. Just know that you’re not alone.