For centuries, there’s been a stigma around “mental health,” which didn’t actually become a political and ideological concept until the 1900’s. Historically, our mental health system has been problematic, to say the least. Increasingly, however, depression awareness has taken center stage within the media and society at large.
More common than you think: depression visibility
Millions of adults deal with depression in this country and thankfully, society has encouraged more and more conversations around this mental health issue. Even celebrities like Lizzo, Cara Delevingne, Jon Hamm, and Shay Mitchell are openly discussing their mental health in the media. Just recently, Selena Gomez spoke to Today about her ongoing battle with depression, reminding readers, “This does not make me weak. This does not make me less than. This makes me human.”
Depression is felt by many, but is it depression you’ re feeling or is it something else? Mental health can be tricky to measure. We can’t really see bipolar disorder, dependent personality disorder, anxiety disorder, or OCD in the same way we see broken bones, bronchitis, or other physical ailments. You could be experiencing signs of depression or you could be suffering from something else entirely, whether it be in combination with depression or it’s own diagnosis.
Giving a name to your mental health needs
Depression can be tough to detect because it often occurs alongside other mental health issues. Here are some common mental health issues that are often associated with depression or, depending on the situation, can lead to depression:
- Anxiety disorders — When you’re feeling more than just “anxious,” anxiety disorders can keep you from doing things as simple as driving a car or attending an event by yourself.
- Trauma-related disorders — The most widely-known disorder is PTSD, which can occur from any trauma: a sexual assault or rape, an abandonment, a big move, a school shooting, etc.
- Personality disorders — Personality disorders impact 15% of the country’s population and 1.6% of the population have a borderline personality disorder. Other disorders include narcissistic disorder, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, and more.
- Substance abuse disorders — When you’re experiencing alcohol, drug or other addictions, you’re likely to experience feelings of depression.
Only a mental health professional can diagnose your symptoms and unfortunately, many misdiagnose mental health disorders, which is why it’s so important to seek quality care and choose the right provider for you.
Your mood — impacted by everything from your genetic makeup to your personality to your environment to your relationships — is an essential component for maintaining overall health and well-being and it deserves the best care. When you have extreme feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or actions, you should discuss them with a mental health professional before assuming you know what it is.
If you’re feeling depressed or mentally unwell, visit BrooklynMinds.com to speak with a mental health professional and discuss your feelings, symptoms, and possible treatments.
