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What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.  That doesn't sound too bad when you think about it like that.  It's just a loss of interests, that's not too bad, right?  But depression is much more than just a loss of interests.  It can feel like you are losing everything and you can never be happy.  Yes, that is the clinical definition of depression, but it's hard to describe how depression truly feels like.  For people who have it, it can be a struggle of just trying to get through the day.  One day at a time, one foot in front of the other.  People telling you it's just a phase, you'll get over it soon enough.  Exercise, eat healthy, read books, be with friends and family, then you will be cured.  But it's not that simple.  It can be extremely difficult to understand that you may not be the only one experiencing these feelings of hopelessness.  It's hard to realize that there are people like you who are struggling just like you are.  And that doesn't take away anything from you.  That doesn't mean that you aren't struggling.  Depression doesn't care about age, gender, how much money you have, if you're parents are divorced, or if you live a "happy" life.  It doesn't care about any of that.  Some people have a difficult time understanding that depression can target anyone, even if they seem to have the perfect life.  So don't let people shrug off your struggles.  If they do, maybe you shouldn't have them in your life.  Depression if hard to talk about and identify.  It seems like the world is going to end at any second.  And, as hard as it may be to believe, you won't feel like this for the rest of your life. Yes, it may seem like it's never going to end, but you can never give up hope.  Talk to someone about it or go visit your doctor.  Being able to acknowledge that something is wrong is the first step towards recovery.  And don't try to do it all on your own.  There is a line of people waiting to support you, me included.  I have attached links to other websites that give more information about what depression is as well as people you can contact if you need or want help.  Below is also a link to my blog, where you can connect with people who may be struggling too.  Sometimes it's nice to have a safe space to connect with others just like you, with no judgement. For more information about depression, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

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