According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 adults report depression. That seems like a lot. I am picturing all of the people I take the train with every morning and 10% of them suffer from depression. Who knew?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a slightly smaller number. Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 15 million American adults, or approximately 5-8 percent of the adult population in a given year. They also say 2% - 5% of Americans have panic disorder. Again, who knew?!
Now that I know I am not alone, there are some great places to meet others with the same feelings and problems. I really like Twitter for this. Facebook is too personal. I really don't want my uncle on my mother's side knowing my daily depression issues. I like Twitter better. I participate in a chat (#mhsm) every Tuesday night at 9:00 pm EST that talks about Mental Health and Social Media. You can follow @MHSMchat to stay in the loop about that. I also like searching #depression. Sometimes it is just stupid kids who are sooo depressed that there are no more Twilight movies, but a lot of the people on there have similar issues as I do.
A few great resources are @NAMIMass, @unsuicide, @natasha_tracy, and @bandback2gether. These help me and I hope they help you too.
I know this post is full of links, but just try a couple first and if you like them, try the others. No rush, my Loyal Readers.
And if you find any great resources that I haven't named, please leave them in the comments! I love looking for more support and knowing there are others like me.
I can only imagine how hard having depression is...sure I have felt depressed especially during the time of the month, but not like what you have described. It is great that you are getting some help and feeling not alone. I think support is ideal any time we are struggling with anything. I am praying for you and your family...have been since I first came across your site. I have a prayer journal that I write my prayers in...good accountability for me and a chance to see God answer. Thank you for visiting my blog...looking forward to getting to to know you more.
ReplyDeleteI found you through blogher. I have been dealing with the aftereffects of PPD/A for well over a year now. It's like a hell that never ends sometimes. I just wrote one of my first posts letting my readers actually see what was going through my mind when I slipped into psychosis last year. Depression really sucks. I'm sorry you deal with it too.
ReplyDeletehttp://undomesticatedconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/02/verbal-dumpage_21.html
Hey, you've been to the #ppdchat on Mondays, right? It's been an amazing resource in my life.
ReplyDeleteonly 1 in 10 report depression and anxiety? Wow, I thought it would be higher. I wish more people were open and honest about these issues (I know I try to be). thanks for posting.
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