According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the most common mental health conditions that you can live with. Approximately seven percent of the population in the United States of America lives with depression. In my opinion, the percentage is actually much higher because so many people are ashamed to admit it.
Recently, I had the honor of joining Health Central as a writer and social ambassador for mental health. Part of my duties as a social ambassador includes sharing the resources that are available on Health Central with you.
As I began reviewing content to share on my social media channels, I began to find some material that helped me. It resonated with me because I live with depression. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Learning more about my condition has given me tools to cope. I better understand what is going on inside my head, have practical tools to manage it, and a variety of options for how to talk about it with others.
There is an unlimited amount of depression resources available for you. Regardless, many of the articles are written for clinicians, academics, and researchers. What makes the material on Health Central unique is that it’s written in simple language. No offense to the vast amount of fantastic online mental health media outlets available, but I find that many of their articles contain complicated language. I am a fan of keeping this simple.
Depression Resources Online
While I encourage you to visit the site and check out our Facebook page, I have compiled a list of the top resources on depression to make it easy for you. Each one is a quick and easy read.
1. Living With Depression: 10 Things I Wish People Didn’t Say
If someone in your life is living with depression, this article is a MUST READ. If you are living with depression, this a helpful resource to share with your friends and loved ones. Knowing what not to say may be more important than knowing what to say.
For example, when people say things to me like, “It’s all in your head” or “Everyone has issues”, I find it to be hurtful and frustrating. Even when I know they are trying to be helpful, it can make my whole experience worse.
2. 10 People Living With Depression Share What They Wish They Knew Earlier
Experience can be a great teacher. I’ve learned so much in the past few years that would have been so helpful when I was younger. In my particular case, I wish I knew that:
- My angry childhood outbursts that I experienced were the depression in disguise.
- You can grow up in a good home and still experience depression.
- Depression would make my work life complicated.
- Depression would make my romantic relationships complicated.
- There were reasons behind my depression.
My story is just one of many.
3. Why People with Depression Lack Intimacy
There’s nothing in the world quite like great sex! Although great sex can help my depression (and have additional health benefits), sometimes my depression makes intimacy impossible. A lack of intimacy can happen to both men and women, regardless of age, fitness level, etc.
4. Exercise As Depression Treatment: Does It Really Work?
On most days, I start off my morning with exercise. It’s become such a habit that if I don’t do it, something just doesn’t feel right. I love the feeling of exhilaration that I feel after a workout. It clears my head and puts me in a much better mood.
Q: Has it cured my depression?
A: No.
Q: Has it made my depression easier to manage?
A: Yes.
Mental health professionals have a variety of opinions on this. I believe that it’s worth exploring.
See what the professionals say…
5. Why Resting is So Hard When You Have Depression
Some days, I really can’t get out of bed. I wish I could say it was because I was tired, but it’s not. I simply just can’t get out of bed. Despite the fact that I am lying down on my comfortable mattress, I am not resting. It feels as though my body is doing the opposite and is often accompanied by physical pain.
6. Living With Depressions: 6 Foods That Can Boost Your Mood
I love good food (especially meals that contain bacon, cheese, and garlic). I have learned the hard way that those foods aren’t the best thing for my mental health. Spinach, on the other hand, is perfect for my brain. Now that I know this, I look forward to eating more spinach, especially spinach that’s sauteed in garlic. YUMMY!
Here are more foods that can help…
7. Is Your Teenager Depressed? Signs of Depression in Teens
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers.
“Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.” – Suicide.org
As a former teenager who was depressed, I think these signs are critical for parents and guardians to know.
8. 16 Things to Know About Depression
There are so many myths around depression that circulate amongst friends, families and social groups. Therefore, it’s important to ask questions and get a variety of professional opinions.
Some of the common questions around depression include:
- Is depression a disease?
- What are some examples of depression?
- Why is depression so frustrating?
- Should I take antidepressants?
9.Depression: 10 Things to Maintain Healthy Relationships
If there was a manual that I could have given to all the women that have dated me, this would be it. When women didn’t know how to cope with my depression, a relationship that may have started out healthy quickly manifested into a toxic relationship.
This article reminded me about the importance of clarifying expectations. For example, when I am feeling depressed, I prefer to isolate myself and be left alone. If someone that I am dating doesn’t understand (or respect) this, a conflict will naturally start building up.
If depression is something that you or someone in your life struggles with, one of the best things that you can do is to continue to educate yourself. The more that you learn, the better decisions you can make in how to cope with it. The better you learn to deal with it, the happier you will be.
“Organizing power is inherent in knowledge. Knowledge of any kind gets metabolized spontaneously and brings about a change in awareness from where it is possible to create new realities.” – Deepak Chopra
Be sure to check out more of the online resources for depression on Health Central.
What depression resources online have you found to be helpful?
Please comment with your thoughts and recommendations.
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