Depression

The holidays are an exciting time, but it can be difficult when you have lost someone you love, can’t return home, face financial stresses, or feel isolated. These feelings are commonly referred to as “the holiday blues” and are more common than you may think.

We sometimes wonder what our lives might be like without our digital devices. We give constant attention to what can feel like a waste of space and time, but is it actually helpful? With the many apps and products available on our phones, spending too much time in the wrong places can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health—if we let it.

Mental health affects nearly every aspect of our lives, which makes it essential to be proactive about taking care of it. More than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point.

September is one of the best months of the year. It provides many great opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge about mental health because it is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in the United States. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. Unfortunately, suicide is growing more prevalent in our society, so it is essential that we work together to raise awareness about suicide and mental health.

Roughly 1 out of every 5 people in the United States experiences mental health and lives with a mental illness. Getting treatment for those mental illnesses is essential for a high quality of life. Mental healthcare can improve happiness, productivity, and motivation for people suffering from a mental illness. It can even increase life expectancy.

If you’re like the millions around the globe suffering from residual depression caused by COVID-19, you’re among the many. Depression is becoming one of the most common side effects from lockdown and social distancing practices throughout the world, which is largely associated with increased loneliness, a lack of regular activity, and isolation.

The crippling effects of mental illness are far reaching and widely unbiased. U.S. veterans are no exception and accounted for over 1.7 million cases alone in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Whether you personally struggle with depression or know someone that does it is important to know how to best give support to those around you or explain to your loved ones how they can best support you.

A relapse of a depressive episode is, sadly, common among depression sufferers. Recognizing the symptoms of a relapse and understanding how to lower your risk can help alleviate further physical and emotional distress.