Depression

Again, another topic made into a joke by society. How many times a day do you hear "Oh my god, I'm so depressed" when most likely they're just feeling a little down for a moment. 
Here's what the dictionary defines depression as:
1.Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life.

Yeah, that's what it is. Kind of. Much better than the Ed description. But the problem is, you can't describe something like depression in 20 words or less. It's so much more complex. And sooo much more serious than some people realize. The hopelessness, the inadequacy-- that's a constant. The lack of energy can vary.

But what people really don't get is that depression is not another word for sad. Sad is a momentary emotion. Depression is a much longer affliction. There doesn't need to be a cause for depression. Sometimes it just starts. And someone with depression can't just "get better" "be happy." It's so much more than that. It's an hormone imbalance, it's a huge event in someone's life that has flipped life upside down. It's something much more than a passing emotion.

Another issues people don't understand is a person does not have to always look sad if they have depression. They can smile, they can laugh, they can fake it. People with depression often fake it so well.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you never know what someone's going through, so always be care. Depression can lead to self injury and suicide, two things that no one should have to go through or watch someone go through.

How to treat someone with depression:
DO NOT try to be their therapist. They should get a real therapist who is professionally trained. 
DO NOT pretend it is smaller than it is. Depression is a huge issue that should not go unacknowledged
DO NOT lie to them and say "everything will be alright" because they probably won't believe that, and lying is never the way to go anyway. 
DO be there for them.
DO let them know you are there for them, no matter what. But only if it's true. 

How to deal with your depression:
DO NOT push it away and pretend it's not there
DO NOT isolate. 
DO get help. Please. You deserve it. 

USA Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
                                    1-800-273-8255

                                    1-800-SUICIDE
                                    1-800-784-2433