Depression: The Leading Cause Of Mental Illness

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“Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better” (“Definition of Depression” 1). Although there are countless mental disorders known in the medical community, depression has become one of the most prevalent issues concerning mental health. With this being such an issue, more light has been shown on mental health and how to assist someone with a mental illness. The following paragraphs will address the rate of depression, signs and symptoms, and treatment options for those affected by this illness. This disorder has proven to be one of the most debilitating diseases for the patient involved, …show more content…
That being said, this disorder isn’t associated with a certain age group or ethnicity, therefore it affects a wide range of people. According to National Institute of Mental Health, “[In 2016] An estimated 3.1 million adolescents aged 12-17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode.” In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, or ADAA shows that in 2015, 16.1 adults experienced one or more major depressive incidents. These figures show that while our youth is steadily increasing the struggle with this disease, our adults are suffering as well. While some groups of people may be predisposed or more likely to struggle with depression, this disorder touches many people in America, and …show more content…
That being said, some patients may be reluctant to seek treatment. There are a myriad of treatment options, both medical and alternative (Lieber 1). One method of treatment that has recently risen in popularity is interpersonal psychotherapy. Additionally, cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to almost eliminate the risk of recurrent symptoms of depression(Hollon 39). With this being such a complex and intricate mental disorder, there is no definite cure for those who are suffering. Different medications and therapies are typically used for individual cases, as no case is the same as another. The road to recovery for depression patients can be difficult and lengthy. The most crucial step for a patient to get better is to admit they need help, and seek that help accordingly. Along with a strong support system, this can help the recovery process

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