"Depression Hurts, But You Don't Have To."

As we near World Mental Health Day on October 10th 2012, I want to talk a little bit about this years main theme: Depression. I think it's safe to say by now that the term depression is a common household word. Depression can strike anyone at any time and is very rapidly becoming a globally widespread disease.  A great prevention tool is to be alert to the early signs of depressive disorder both within yourself and/or others.  Fatigue, lack of energy, insomnia, changes in appetite, and even physical pain are some indicators of early depression.  Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.  Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. The hopes of the World Federation of Mental Health is to send out the message that depression IS a treatable illness and recovery is possible.  On Oct. 10th they aim to reach across globally to adress depression to those individuially affected, their families and their peers.  The president of WFMH, Deborah Wan, states... "...It is now estimated that 350 million people globally are affected by depression, and this alarming figure is a wakeup call for us to address this global non-communicable disease."  I definitely agree that it is a wakeup call for all of us.  If you'd like more information on depression or other mental illnesses or to get involved with World Mental Health Day please visit their website listed below.   http://www.wfmh.org/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm