Depression is a sensitive topic to talk about but it is not talked about enough, so let’s talk about it.

The National institute of Mental Health defines depression as “is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working”

There is not just one type of depression or a type that is just called depression, there is several types for example Major depression, Psychotic depression, Persistent depressive disorder, Postpartum depression, Bipolar disorder, and plenty more.

If you have depression, you have to know that you are definitely not alone.

If you ever need anyone to talk to or placed in an emergency or crisis and need help, here are a few hotlines to call:

• US Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433

• NDMDA Depression Hotline (support group): 800-826-3632
• Suicide Prevention Services Crisis Hotline: 800-784-2433
• Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline: 630-482-9696
• Child Abuse Hotline (support and information): 800-792-5200
• Crisis Help Line (for any kind of crisis): 800-233-4357
• Domestic & Teen Dating Violence (English and Spanish): 800-992-2600
• Parental Stress Hotline (help for parents): 800-632-8188
• Runaway Hotline (all calls are confidential): 800-231-6946
• Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7, English and Spanish): 800-223-5001
• Suicide & Depression Hotline (covenant house): 800-999-9999
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• National Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-448-4663

If you do not have access to medication or do not believe in the use of medications, other ways you can cope with depress is by:

• Get a  routine: Having a routine can help because often times people do not like change and having a structure of some sort helps with that.
• Healthy meals: We’ve heard it many times in gym or wellness class about how important it is to
• Exercise. Working out or simply taking a stroll out around a nearby park or around your neighborhood will help out with easing depression because it is a proven fact that when you are exercising, your body release chemicals that improve your mood like endorphins and neurotransmitters.
• Counseling: I know it is hard for people to talk to someone because of judgment or their pride gets in the way but talking to someone who will not judge you at all is great. Let things ff of your chest and just vent and let everything out. counselors are here to help you when you need it.
• Adopt a pet: Who doesn’t love cute and cuddly animals? Well of course they’re not all cuddly, but even little goldfishes to a huge greyhound can cheer anyone up.
• Writing: No I don’t mean essays or a report on Frankenstein, I mean writing stories or making a journal or writing poems or song lyrics and maybe find out a new talent.
• Religious practices: I know during this time, religion is the last thing on your mind or you have negative feelings toward religion but there are a lot of loving and caring people who are more than ready to help you and who most likely have been in your spot as well.
• Finally the most important tip of all – ACCEPT YOURSELF.This will probably be the hardest step of al but it is not impossible. Slowly but surely you will get to the point of loving yourself and loving life.

You are a beautiful human being and you will conquer any difficulties life has to throw at you because anything is possible and do not let others tell you otherwise. Do not be hesitiant to call these numbers or ask for help, there may be a lot of bad people out there but there are a lot of geat ones too, do not give up now!