Depression is an illness of the worst kind. From personal experience, I can only attempt to tell you how consuming it really is. The thoughts of suicide overcome you. If it's not taken care of, it will take over. The feelings will take over. And that is when suicide happens. When the pain outweighs the strength you have to fight it. For whatever reason, depression and suicide is an ever growing trend among my generation. Maybe it's a fad (though, only God knows why someone would want to follow THAT trend). Maybe it's that parents have forgotten how to be parents. Maybe it's something else. But regardless of the reason, it's there. Since I was 14, I can count 3 acquaintances who have succeeded in ending their lives, and countless others who have attempted to. Maybe the reason this keeps happening is because there's such a disconnect. It's hard to read someone's demeanor from the other side of a computer screen or through a text message. Person to person contact is diminishing. Again, the reasons behind it don't matter. The depression is what matters-the illness. And do not be mistaken, this is an illness. It is as much of a sickness as diabetes or cystic fibrosis. It not only effects one mentally, but often physically as well. If you were showing signs of Multiple Sclerosis, would you seek out medical intervention?
In honor of those already lost, if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, please get help or encourage help. Sometimes it's as easy as a one hour talk therapy session once a week. Other times it takes medication. Help is available to those willing to speak up.
National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255
http://www.suicidehotlines.com
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