Why Diagnosis Depression?

Depression, even today the diagnosis and its classification as a mental illness brings with it an unwarranted stigma and/or a sense of shame. People who have Depression and its frequently corresponding anxiety-related disorders often live with their problems in silence due to fears of being labeled as “crazy,” or at the very least “unstable.” Unfortunately, very few people with Depression and/or Anxiety have anyone to talk to about their disease, and even if they did, the very isolating natures of the disorders themselves often prevent the type of sharing that could be beneficial to those who need it most. Additionally, although there are many organizations out there with both physical and Internet sites available to help people with Depression/Anxiety, people with these problems often lack the energy or focus to shuffle through all of the information to find ways to help themselves or to reach out to others who can help them.

It is for these reasons that I decided to start Diagnosis Depression as part of a required assignment for my Writing Arts degree. As you can see from my profile, I am a thirty-nine year old student at Rowan University, in Glassboro, NJ. Since this is a class assignment, my writing on this blog will be reviewed by a professor, which I hope will help you to feel secure that all of the facts and links presented will be of a creditable nature. But just as important, I believe, is the fact that I have a Depressive/Anxiety disorder and have lived with these problems, on and off since being diagnosed at age nineteen. I know what it is like not to be able to get out of bed or to function, at times, even at the most basic of levels. I understand the feelings of frustration and shame that occur as this disease affects everyone and everything in a person's life for either a brief or an extended period of time. In this weblog, I will attempt to filter some of the information out there on Depression and Anxiety and present you with links and ideas that I think can be helpful from the perspective of someone who “has been there.”

I would like to take this moment to stress that if you have visited this site because you or a loved one suspects they have Depression, or have already been diagnosed as having it, please don't think that because I have had a lifelong battle with the disease, you or your loved one will also. Many people have only a single episode related to other illnesses or a trauma in their lives and then never have a problem again. On that note, please understand that this site is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Depression is a serious illness that requires treatment by healthcare professionals. The link below to the National Institute of Mental Health, provides an in depth description of the disease as well as signs & symptoms, treatments and help accessing mental health services in your area. If you or a loved one needs treatment, please seek it. There are other people who understand and can help. Remember, when you are depressed, your thoughts lie to you. You can get better and tomorrow can be a better day. I know, I've been there too.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/depressionmenu.cfm?textSize=M