Aside from my mom, I don’t think I’ve knowingly talked to anyone who suffers from depression. However, last night one of my co-workers sort of had a mental break down and she talked to us about how she thinks she’s suffering from depression. She was crying, and I felt like there was nothing I could do. I didn’t pity her, I just felt bad because I didn’t have soothing words for her.

Of course everyone feels sad from time to time; that’s normal. However, if a person consistently feels sad or angry, it interrupts their ability to do daily activities. My co-worker said it herself- she has a hard time getting out of bed to go to class and do other things that she has to do. I asked her if she was talking to someone about it because I think that’s a very important and necessary step. Fortunately, she talks to her parents and a health care provider. I say fortunately because I know that she isn’t dealing with this on her own and has a support system. Another coworker and I also encouraged her to seek help on campus. I know that she’s stressed with her workload, and perhaps someone in an academic environment can provide her better guidance on how to deal with it.

I think a lot of people out there don’t know what depression really is. They don’t know what depression means and what it can potentially do to you. Many people don’t have much information on mental health, period. I think this has to change. People need to be informed about the various types of mental behaviors so that if they see any signs they can talk to someone right away (instead of waiting until they’re deeper in the hole) to seek help. I think schools and health care providers should help spread awareness, but I also think that it’s important for all of us to take the initiative and read about mental health. Mental health problems can make us physically sick, can make us stop our daily functions, and can make us suicidal. So please, get educated, and if you think you may have a mental health problem, talk to someone and remember – things will get better.

-Erica