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Depression, also called clinical depression, is arguably one of the most misdiagnosed and

ignored medical conditions in existence. It also happens, by reason, that depression is one of the

most common disorders that affects, potentially, every single person on Earth at some point in

their life. This disorder is an unusual one since it is one of a select number of disorders and

diseases that does not discriminate. In a more simplistic definition, depression isnt the result of

contracting bacteria that harm the body. Instead, it is more akin to a state of mind that changes

the actions of those affected by it (Moragne 18). It affects ones emotional responses and

processing patterns since depression comes in episodes and each next episode expresses worse

conditions. There are also five distinct forms of depression, which are; severe, mild, bipolar,

atypical (unusual), and seasonal (Moragne 27). But, why does it occur? And why is it so

common?

There is an absolutely massive range in terms of what can cause depression. But there are

also a significant number of other conditions that have similar symptoms to depression. Some of

these conditions, that also appear as symptoms in depression, include eating disorders such as:

Bulimia, Binging, and Anorexia. The usage of drugs, and alcohol also lead to similar symptoms

as in depression. Another possibility is that the individual in question may only have issues with

keeping up with school curriculum or the natural, reckless behavior of teenagers may be

involved (Klebanoff and Luborsky 36). Conditions, such as OCD, ADHD/ADD, PTSD,

Anxiety, and phobias can also resemble symptoms of depression, which explains why it is often

misdiagnosed (Moragne 38). Many people actually do suffer from depression, but that is not the

point that is trying to be disproven. The previous statement is intended to express other

conditions similar to depression. Since these conditions are so similar to depression, the

misdiagnosis of many individuals afflicted by actual depression is common and unfortunate.

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So, if depression often gets misdiagnosed, then what are the traditional symptoms of

depression? There are numerous signs that signal that one is depressed. Potential signs, due to the

fact that depression cases are radically different from each other (Moragne 20), include:

A significant change in a persons mood to a more saddened and/or irritable, an

increase or decrease in appetite, an increase or decrease in the amount the person
sleeps, and feeling or seeing one more fatigued. Other potential signs could be:
the person expressing a feeling of guilt over anything, problems with making
decisions or issues with concentrating, and/or a loss in a person's activities which,
in the past, wouldve brought them pleasure. (Klebanoff and Luborsky 11)

These symptoms/signs, you can call them whatever you wish to, are similar to the previously

mentioned conditions.

Not that the symptoms are an explanation for why depression is misdiagnosed often, it is

time to discuss the causes of depression, which, as one may know, are numerous. What one is

most likely to be unaware of is the fact that depression is, in summation, a loss of self-esteem.

Whether the loss and/or lack of self-esteem is the result of a psychological or physical illness,

daily life stresses, rejection by a love interest, abuse received from family members or other

individuals, and the death of an individual that holds a close position in ones life (Klebanoff

and Luborsky 22). As Lisa Wolff states, around 100 million people are affected by depression.

Of all people worldwide, adult women make up the highest portion at twenty-five percent (about

of all women are depressed), men follow suit at a moderate ten percent, and teens make up

around five percent (6). These numbers may seem irrelevant but, what if you were told that

around two-thirds of these 100 million sufferers would never be treated. And, of the teenagers

affected by depression, the majority of teenagers with depression are either misdiagnosed or

never seek out treatment in the first place due to a host of issues (Wolff 6). Now these numbers

seem a bit more relevant, dont they? And, to finalize the severity of depression, in an email

interview with Ms. Lauren Lahey, a psychology and history teacher at Northgate High School,
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stated that depression can be a very severe mental illness. Unfortunately, depression can cause

individuals to be disabled in a sense that they cannot perform normal routine activities like going

to eat meals, going to school/work, bathing etc. In more severe cases those with depression may

have suicidal thoughts and/or try to commit suicide. Another factor that influences depression,

mostly in young adults and the young, is social media since social media had led to stereotypes

that both boys and girls have taken a bit too much to heart (Wolff 32). Boys often refute the

possibility of being depressed since it (admitting to being depressed) could be seen as a sign of

weakness. Girls, compared to boys, are far more affected by social media which often leads them

to have low self-esteem and therefore more vulnerable to becoming depressed. Social media is

most likely why far more girls are depressed internationally compared to boys, since boys have

far fewer social expectations. In addition to the previous statements, the environment one

resides in, the personality of the person, and even the genetic code within a person has the ability

to modify their chances of becoming depressed (Moragne 24). To summarize, depression is a

serious illness that cripples the individuals afflicted by it in many ways. But, perhaps the most

devastating of its effects is suicide.

Suicide, most of us have heard about it. Maybe it was in a newspaper or reported on a

news channel that is recalling a past event. Maybe, if youre unfortunate enough, you may have

known someone who has attempted suicide attempt. Regardless of how you may have come

across it, the majority of people will agree that it's an unpleasant and unnecessary act and it

leaves massive, irreparable holes in the individuals emotionally close to the individual who

committed suicide. But, why does it happen? Well, as Klebanoff and Luborsky state in their

book, Ups & Downs: How to Beat the Blues and Teen Depression, suicide is a potential the

result of the snowball effect (17). The Snowball Effect, in short, is rather simplistic; it involves
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a person becoming depressed and the person who is depressed keeps finding little things wrong

about themselves which, like a snowball, gathers speed and momentum until the snowball gets so

big that it just collapses. Suicide is what the collapse of the snowball represents. While difficult

to stop from rolling on during the latter stages, identifying the signs of a suicidal person will

prevent potentially unnecessary psychological trauma from occurring, thus repeating the cycle

with new people. There are many signs that a suicidal person expresses, note that not all people

will express all the signs as, with depression, the signs/symptoms vary drastically from person to

person of the signs of a suicidal person, but, some of the more consistent symptoms include, but

are not limited to, becoming more withdrawn, a drop in school performance, the person ignores

their personal appearance, more accidents/risk-taking occur, feelings of worthlessness increase

and become apparent, items normally valued are thrown away, disregarding life, and having

attempted previous suicide attempts (Moragne 35). Also, having knowledge on possibilities on

why one may be at risk for depression will most certainly be valuable. These risk factors for

becoming suicidal, as Wendy Morange states, include;

Having a family history of suicide, previous attempts, stressful life events,

emotions/behavior affecting disorders, moving to a new community, being
abandoned by a love interest, having a conflict within the family, being rejected,
drugs/alcohol, poor peer relations, having guns lying around in home, having
problems w/sexual issues, having issues with academic performance, being a
perfectionist, being impulsive, and/or having hallucinations/delusions (69).

While it may be difficult to identify a suicidal person due to their reclusiveness, if you do bump

into one, there are several ways to help aid that person. The primary, verbal methods are to

express the results of what suicide does and to describe why suicide is often called a permanent

solution to a temporary problem (Moragne 74). Suicide and depression are major issues

afflicting society, especially since Teen Depression is on the rise (Wolff 6). However, there is

hope for the suicidal and depressed in the form of self-esteem boosts and treatments.
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Did you know that Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln went through depression

themselves? (Wolff 21). Look how they turned out; iconic figures of history. Im not saying that

being depressed and being a president will get you remembered in history. It wont. It takes

special individuals to become recorded in history for an eternity. But, there are ways to get

through it and treat depression. The most common way depression is treated is via prescribed

medications, since theyre generally the go-to solution for many medical issues. Medications

such as antidepressants, SSRIs, MAOIs, and Electroconvulsive therapy (in severe cases and as a

last resort due to potentially severe side effects) can be used to treat depression (Moragne 58).

Antidepressants, the most common medication used to combat depression, work by blocking

synapse uptake (Moragne 58). In addition, both Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy

are both known to reduce these high CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone, which is responsible

for rousing (stirring up) your body during fight or flight times, for example) levels (Harvard

Health). These medications do often work and, as Ms. Lahey stated, The big thing (most useful

aspect) about medication use is consistency, tracking progress and monitoring behavior while on

the medication. However, there generally are some side effects to them. So, let us focus on non-

medicinal ways to treat depression. Focusing on rebuilding the self-esteem of ones self is a

keystone for progressing away from depression. The rebuilding of self-esteem, as Wendy

Moragne states, include but is not limited to, proper eating, exercising, allowing imperfections,

writing down journal entries, interaction with an animal (usually a pet of some sorts), doing a

new or enjoyable activity, getting a job, joining a club, and volunteering. These activities, as

part time Psychology and English teacher and tutor, Mrs. Griggs stated in a personal interview, I

feel that it is really important to express your emotions and it is most certainly not a temporary

measure. In fact, having an outlet to express oneself is the basis for recovering from depression.
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If these activities are not up your alley, there are other, unique alternatives. St. Johns Wort (a

type of herb), Acupuncture, and Light Therapy (sitting in front of a fluorescent light box that

typically emits about 10,000 lux units of light has helped many people who might otherwise

struggle with depression throughout the day. Bright light has been shown by numerous studies to

act as a specific antidepressant in depressed patients) (Kresser, Treating Depression without

Drugs Part II). To put it simply, there are ways to treat depression without the side effects of

traditional medication.

Depression is a serious illness that severely affects those whom are affected by it and by

those whom are close to the depressed individual in question. But there are ways to treat

depression which can, and do, perform better than traditional antidepressants. It's not a matter of

if you can be treated [of depression], it's how you want to be treated [of depression].