Internal Cruelty
By: Sydney Cherrington, Mattie Fuerst, Sam Bird, Jenna Happe
Depression
Internal cruelty takes many shapes and forms; one form is depression. Depression is feelings of severe despondency and dejection. In a given year, roughly 21 million Americans, or about 9.5% of the US population age 18 or older, are suffering from a mood disorder. Depression is a mood disorder. This disorder is extremely important and appears frequently in today's society.
Symptoms
This type of internal cruelty is hard to battle and it is important to notice any signs that you or others are starting to become depressed. The symptoms of depression are:
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- fatigue and decreased energy
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- excessive sleep or lack of sleep
- irritability and/or restlessness
- loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
- over eating or appetite loss
- thoughts of suicide
Causes of Depression
Many different things can cause these symptoms to appear and some of them no one can control such as a death of a loved one or divorce or a break up. Other causes can be stress or fights with friends or family members. Sometimes depression can come from anxiety disorders.
How to Help Someone Thats Showing Signs of Depression
If someone you know starts showing some of these symptoms and it starts worrying you, you should talk to them about it. Tell them that they seem different and that you are worried about them. Some questions you can ask are: When did you begin to feel like this? Did something happen that made you start feeling this way? How can I best support you right now? Things that you can say that will help are:
- you are not alone; I'm here for you
- you may not believe it now but the way you are feeling will change
- tell me what I can do to help
Things you should avoid saying are:
- its all in your head
- we all go through times like this
- look on the bright side
- just snap out of it
How to Help Yourself If You Start Showing Symptoms
If you see these symptoms appearing in yourself you should acknowledge that you are feeling this way and be honest with yourself. Set goals for yourself to try to re-balance your life. Schedule out your day or week with things that you need to do to achieve your goals. Stay focused on your goals and practice positive coping skills for any fears, doubts, anxieties, and worries that you might have. Seek help from someone you trust if you want to. It's easier to go through depression when you aren't alone. Keep your plan and try not to go off track. Remember 30-70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression so don't take these symptoms lightly!
How You Can Get Involved
There are many organizations that are trying to fight depression such as the ADAA or the Anxiety and Depression Society of America. They focus on improving the lives of children and adults who are affected by these disorders. You can donate money to this organization and help those struggling with depression.
Work Cited
Ahmedani, Brian K. "Racial/Ethnic Differences in Health Care Visits Made Before Suicide
"Helping a Depressed Person." : How to Reach Out and Help Someone While Taking Care
of Yourself. Melinda Smith, M.A., Suzanne Barston, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D, n.d.
Web. 12 Jan. 2016
"National Network of Depression Center." NNDC. National Network of Depression Centers,
n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Suicide." Mental Health America. N.p., 11 May 2015. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
"Symptoms of Depression." Webmd. Webmd, LCC, 2005-2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
Tangeloff, Jasmin. "How to Create a Balanced Life: 9 Tips to Feel Calm and Grounded."
Tiny Buddha. N.p., 02 Feb. 2011. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.
Suicide Hotline
For more help on suicidal thoughts you can call and talk to some professionals. Just call, 1800-SUICIDE