The stigma surrounding mental illness persists even in today’s society, and it can be an extremely difficult topic of discussion. For many years, having a mental illness immediately meant that you were “crazy” and incapable of functioning normally in society. In the present day, however, several people have been very vocal about their bouts with mental illness, as depression and anxiety are amongst the most prevalent of these diseases.
Depression, in particular, can be a very tricky disease. The signs are not always as obvious as TV shows and movies make them seem. Some of your regular, everyday tendencies can be indicators that you may suffer from some form of mild to severe depression.
Some of these signs and symptoms include incessant fatigue, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, sad, anxious, and empty feelings, restlessness, irritability, pessimism, and an overall loss of interest in the things that you once enjoyed.
In your day-to-day life, it is normal to experience some of these feelings in response to the everyday stresses of life. Depression is an overwhelming combination of all of the above feelings. It is when these thoughts and feelings interfere with your daily life, that you should consider seeking help. If you experience thoughts of suicide at any point, reach out to someone immediately. You’d be surprised at how many people are also going through something similar.
Be aware, however, that just because you experience some of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have a mental illness. These are simply guidelines that are meant to make you more aware of your mental health. If you feel that you have experienced some or all of these symptoms, I encourage you to seek help from a trusted friend, therapist, parent, sibling, etc. There is no shame in seeking help. In fact, you are actually stronger and more mature for doing so.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, about any type of crisis
Written By: Janae Grier
Instagram: @janaegrier/@janaegrizzy
Website: https://janizzyinc.com/