As the title for today's topic states, October is Depression is Awareness Month so I thought I would write a post. Those of you who read my blog know that I started a depression awareness series on my blog in January of this year. I'm going to be honest when I first hit that publish button on my first depression awareness post I felt afraid, but I set my fears aside because I felt I could help someone by sharing my story and my insights on the subject.
Having depression can make even the most simple tasks like getting out of bed and taking a shower can leave a person feeling tired and or overwhelemed. Even before I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I always felt that you should check on people that you love and be kind to people because you never know what someone may be going through. It makes me feel so good to know in the comments section that many of you find these posts inspiring and helpful when dealing with depression.
When I was first diagnosed with Clinical Depression in 2009 I had a really hard time accepting it, but at the same time I was relieved that at least I knew that there were treatment options for my feelings of sadness. Depression may be a part of my life that I deal with, but it isn't my whole life. Depression doesn't define who I am as a person. For today's post I also wanted to shed light on a few causes for depression.
Some Causes for Depression Include:
- Genetics/Family History
- Life Events
- Personal Issues
- Abuse
- Substance Abuse
- Death, Loss, and Grief
- Certain Medications
- Environmental Factors
* I'm not a health professional, but I know that those are some of the causes for depression.
I've mentioned in my previous posts that my clinical depression typically comes from stressful life events. Typically I cope pretty well with depression, but I have my days that my mood is low. When I feel like this I just remind myself that I know that I will and can feel better. If you struggle with some of the items I listed above or some other issues related to depression or any other mental illness, remember there is treatment and help available to help you start to feel better.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I wrote posts on these two topics in 2013. Here are the links. You will notice that I updated some information.
Domestic Violence Awareness:
http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2013/10/domestic-violence-awareness.html
Breast Cancer Awareness:
http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2013/10/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html
NOTICE FROM MONDAY 10/5/15:
If you've been keeping up with the News and weather lately, you may have heard that South Carolina experience flooding over the weekend. Well I live in SC and the weather was terrible,
If you've been keeping up with the News and weather lately, you may have heard that South Carolina experience flooding over the weekend. Well I live in SC and the weather was terrible,
and the aftermath is terrible as well. The carpet in my apartment was completely flooded by Sunday morning when I woke up (and other damages), but I feel so blessed and grateful to have a home. I should be posting content that I have drafted this week, but my commenting and responding may be delayed since I have to take care of cleaning etc. Please keep the residents of South Carolina in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for understanding!
Pilar
Pilar
Thank you for sharing your trails with depression.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteThis is a really great post, thank you for sharing. I suffered from depression in my teens, and although I am much better now, I will never forget how awful that felt.
ReplyDeleteKay
http://shoesandglitter.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks, and you're welcome! Depression can feel awful, but I try to remember that it's a feeling and with time I can feel better. I think I suffered from minor depression when I was a teenager as well even though I wasn't actually diagnosed until a few years ago.
DeleteI'm so happy you do post like these, Pilar! I do think it helps and inspires everyone, especially when you mention things about how depression doesn't define you as who you are! I think a lot of the time when I'm feeling down is due to stress like you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Depression really doesn't define who you are! I noticed that when I'm feeling down it's usually due to extreme stress. That's why I trybnot to let my stress level get too high.
DeleteThese posts are always so helpful and it is always good to remember that low times will pass!! That is what I think about too! Also, still praying for SC and I hope the cleanup goes well!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you find these types of posts helpful!
DeleteI'm glad you're doing these posts, Pilar. It can really help someone that needs it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! That's one reason why I write these posts because I hope it will help someone!
DeleteBeautifully written post! These posts are really going to help people.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI'm so glad you pointed out these other issues. Everyone is so focused on breast cancer awareness every October that they forget about these equally as important issues.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Thanks! I wanted to include depression awareness and domestic violence awareness because it's just like you said all these issues are important!
DeleteGreat post. Depression should be discussed more because many people deal this issues. Thanks for highlighting breast cancer and domestic violence issues as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks and you're welcome!
Delete