Dealing with Depression
Are we becoming a more depressed society in the U.S.? Seeing the numbers on depression (estimated 20 million adults) make a case for the conversation, unless your view is that we over diagnose depression. Unfortunately, one statistic that we can’t over diagnose is the 45,799 suicides recorded in 2020 in the U.S. Whether you believe in the depression or not, the pain is real.
What can you do if someone close to you feels hopeless, fears the future, or quietly suffers in another way? Just being present for your friend or loved one means more than anything. Do your best to understand, and most importantly, let them know that you care. Try to empathize instead of trying to convince someone they shouldn’t feel how they feel.
Think about how depression feels for a teen. If they’re vulnerable with the wrong friend, they can really get hurt. They may feel like parents don’t understand and possibly don’t even believe them. This leaves them in a very lonely place with little control to change their daily routine. It’s just the teen and his terrible thoughts.
For adults, it can be just as lonely and painful. While mental health is better understood today than it was twenty years ago, it’s still often considered weakness. Those painful thoughts filled with hopelessness, guilt, loss, and worry are quite convincing. Even as a therapist, I sometimes get caught in a client’s depression “web of lies.” While convincing, that’s exactly what depression is, a web of lies your brain has you believing. In that moment, you’re unable to see any other possibility of truth.
That truth is that feelings don’t last forever, including depression. Life changes and hope for a better tomorrow always exists. If we’re willing to keep living life, we’re often just around the corner from a new perspective that opens our eyes to something new. Often, it’s finding a way to give to others.
Reducing the level of depression in our society is a conversation for another day. For now, be aware of how those closest to you feel. If you’re hurting, know that depression is temporary so; DON’T GIVE UP!
If you or someone you love is in crisis, the national suicide hotline has changed to 988. You can call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States for a trained crisis counselor who can help.
