Picture that person who is always smiling, always happy. They always have something going for them. They always seem to be busy. You would never think that person had a problem or care in the world, never slowed down, and definitely never spent their time on idle things that normal people love to waste hours on.
Fellow Toastmasters,
I am one of these people. On the outside, I am very outgoing and friendly to everyone. I am really involved with my family, job, and various interests. I try to keep myself busy, because I know, if I slow down, I will crash....again.
I've struggled with Depression for over 8 years. In the long spectrum, it may not seem a lot. But that is 8 years of worrying about what I am doing in my life, struggling with my horrible thoughts of myself and others, and controlling who I know I am and who I should be.
Depression affects 121 million people worldwide. In a study recorded by Mental Health America, they reported that Utah was the most depressed state. Among adults in Utah, 10.14 percent experienced a depressive episode in the past year and 14.58 percent experienced serious psychological distress.
On average, the higher the number of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers per capita in a state, the lower the suicide rate. The lower the percentage of the population reporting that they could not obtain healthcare because of costs, the lower the suicide rate and the better the state's depression status. In addition, the lower the percentage of the population that reported unmet mental healthcare needs, the better the state's depression status. Holding the baseline level of depression in the state constant, the higher the number of antidepressant prescriptions per capita in the state, the lower the suicide rate. The more educated the population and the greater the percentage with health insurance, the lower the suicide rate. The more educated the population, the better the state's depression status.
In can affect a person's ability to work, form relationships, and destroy their quality of life. At its most severe depression can lead to suicide and is responsible for 850,000 deaths every year.
Now for those of you that have never experienced depression, imagine crawling into a very dark, deep puddle of mud. You ooze down the edges of that puddle and you just sit there. Alone. In a pile of mud, with no desire to get out. You would rather stay in that pile of mud, than to climb your way out, wash yourself down, and be with others...who are clean. It's honestly one of the scariest feelings I have had...that I cared so little about my life. I could talk forever about my depression and how its kept me from things that I love, but that's not very motivational.
On average, the higher the number of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers per capita in a state, the lower the suicide rate. The lower the percentage of the population reporting that they could not obtain healthcare because of costs, the lower the suicide rate and the better the state's depression status. In addition, the lower the percentage of the population that reported unmet mental healthcare needs, the better the state's depression status. Holding the baseline level of depression in the state constant, the higher the number of antidepressant prescriptions per capita in the state, the lower the suicide rate. The more educated the population and the greater the percentage with health insurance, the lower the suicide rate. The more educated the population, the better the state's depression status.
The center for Disease Control and Prevention
1 in 10 people report depression.
Who Tends to be Most Depressed?
This study found the following groups to be more likely to meet criteria for major depression:
- persons 45-64 years of age
- women
- blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races
- persons with less than a high school education
- those previously married
- individuals unable to work or unemployed
- persons without health insurance coverage
In can affect a person's ability to work, form relationships, and destroy their quality of life. At its most severe depression can lead to suicide and is responsible for 850,000 deaths every year.
Now for those of you that have never experienced depression, imagine crawling into a very dark, deep puddle of mud. You ooze down the edges of that puddle and you just sit there. Alone. In a pile of mud, with no desire to get out. You would rather stay in that pile of mud, than to climb your way out, wash yourself down, and be with others...who are clean. It's honestly one of the scariest feelings I have had...that I cared so little about my life. I could talk forever about my depression and how its kept me from things that I love, but that's not very motivational.
What I see as motivating and encouraging is that I did not stay in the mud for long. I wallowed for awhile, but eventually I found the energy that I needed to find my way to the top. I always got up and smiled, knowing I had time to conquer it for awhile.
Depression is an on-going battle I feel I will never win. And I hope I never do. Because if I did, I would give up trying so hard. But when I remember those times in my life when I was a happy go-lucky girl, and I look in the mirror and see another person, I claw my way out of that mud puddle until I can see my face again.
Never give up on yourself. You are your biggest fan. No person on this earth can fight your battles for you. They can give you nice baths when you climb out and give you encouraging shouts from the top, but ultimately, you are the one with the muscles and willpower to climb out of that mud puddle.
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