Site Introduction
Hi, my name is Matt and I created this site to help other people suffering with depression
learn more about their illness, and to help them find the best ways to treat
and cope with their depression. Please use the links on the right to navigate the site,
and don't hesitate to contact me!
Mental illness is a huge problem in our society. About 1 in 4 people will suffer from some sort of
mental illness within their lifetime. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders,
yet it is one of the most unrecognized and undiagnosed disorder. Many people suffer from depression
and don't know it--either because they are not educated about the signs and symptoms, they mistake
the symptoms of depression for some other illness, or they think that they are just "weak".
There is a stigma associated with depression and mental health disorders in general. This is harmful
to depressed people, as it can make them not want to seek treatment. Depression is a real illness,
and needs professional help just like other illnesses. You wouldn't hesitate to seek help for a broken
leg! Or if you thought you had bronchitis! Depression is no different--you need to seek help from a
professional! Unfortunately the stigma that accompanies depression and mental illness keeps people
from even talking about it. People are ashamed to admit they are depressed. This is largely fueled
by the attitudes of society. Most people in the general public are not educated about mental illness,
unless they have experienced it themselves or know a close friend or family member who has. Because of
this, there is an attitude perpetuated that depression is not a real illness--that you can just "snap
out of it"! But that is NOT true. Depression is real. Depression is serious. And people with depression
need to seek professional help, and not be afraid to do so because of fear of what other people will think.
This has been just a basic introducion to depression, so please click the links on the right to learn
more about the symptoms of depression, the different types, what sort of treatments are available, and
other information to help you learn about depression.
Continue to What is Depression? »
