Depression can wear you out at the exact time you need all of your strength to fight. Trying to cope is extremely tiring — and it’s often difficult to know when others are suffering. That’s why, during October, we observe National Depression Education & Awareness Month. This important holiday helps teach us about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for depression. It also lets all of us know that seeking help — either from a counselor, a trusted friend, or your community — is a sign of hope and strength.
National Depression Education and Awareness Month - History
2012
Born This Way
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation began with a mission to "support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world."
1980
Depression as a diagnosis
Major Depressive Disorder was incorporated into the DSM-III manual — the Bible for psychotherapists.
1980
Changing lives
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America began with a mission to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders in children and adults.
How to Observe National Depression Education and Awareness Month
1. Reach out
One of the best ways to observe this holiday is to reach out to friends, family, and those in your community. A listening ear, a comforting hug, empathy, and asking questions while withholding judgment can go a long way to comfort others.
2. Share your story
Don’t be afraid to tell those who are struggling about your own experiences with depression. Depression is extremely common, and helping others know they are not alone can be very encouraging.
3. Educate yourself
One of the best ways you can help yourself (and those around you) is to learn about common symptoms and effects of depression. The more you know, the better you can recognize when someone may need your love and support.
3 Surprising Depression-Related Traits
1. Compassion
Those who suffer from depression often have more compassion for others, as they are able to more readily understand the hurt and sadness others feel.
2. Understanding
Those who struggle with depression are typically less judgmental of others, and tend to believe others when they say they’re “doing their best.”
3. Analytical Thinking
Studies show people with depression are able to break down complex problems into smaller segments more easily than those who don’t (and they even perform better on certain tests).
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Why National Depression Education and Awareness Month is Important
A. It sparks conversations
Talking about depression and removing the stigma around it can do tremendous good. This also helps normalize depression (which is important, considering over 16.2 million people have experienced a major depressive episode). Chat with those in your community and use hashtags like #depressionawareness and #DepressionEducation&AwarenessMonth on social media to start the conversation.
B. It encourages others to reach out
Coping with depression is something nobody should have to do alone. By being open about the signs and symptoms of depression, and erasing the shame, we can encourage others to speak to a trusted friend, parent, doctor, or therapist about what they’re experiencing.
C. It ignites national change
Countless celebrities, politicians, and average citizens alike struggle with depression on a daily basis. As such, this opens many doors to change. Donating to a depression support group/organization, joining an awareness walk (such as NAMI), and following celebrity mental health advocates on social media (such as Lady Gaga, Kristen Bell, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Michael Phelps) can help us change the way our culture thinks about and responds to depression.
