Depression (Major Depression Disorder or Clinical Depression) is a seriously debilitating mental illness. Depression can cause isolation, crying spells, mood swings, disturbed sleep, and suicidal ideation if left untreated. Research shows over 264 million people of all ages are affected by depression. It is the leading cause of disability, and depression can lead to suicide.
Many people suffering from depression feel hopeless, lack the motivation to do anything other than confinement to their homes. Meanwhile, life as they know it appears dreary with bleak thoughts. Healing from depression is not an overnight panacea. It is a process of addressing years and/or layers of confusion, hurt, pain, and shame of possible trauma that occurred in early childhood.
Oftentimes, people do not reach out for help thinking it is useless that nobody cares. With encouragement and support, people can seek professional mental health services to learn the right tools to use at the right time to help manage depression.