Tuesday 27 September 2011

Pathomania

Meaning moral insanity.

I'm trying to get back into writing on this thing because I'd like to be able to have something to show for my free time. As ever, I'm writing this late at night, so it's unlikely to make an awful lot of sense, but I'll just go with the flow of my train of thought.

So, firstly, I'm thinking of helping a charity by the name of Time To Change next summer. Time To Change are a charity involved in ending mental discrimination. That is to say, they are working to remove all and any stigmas attached to mental disorders such as depression. I will be joining this charity on a roadshow of the UK, talking to young adults (and indeed anyone that wishes to) about depression, combating it, and how it is nothing to be ashamed of at all. Depression affects one in every ten adults, and more than half of those who have an episode of depression in their life will have a recurrence in later life. So, it is massively important that this stigma of shame associated with depression is removed. Sufferers need to feel like they can talk to people about their disorder without being judged. Depression can be caused by a number of factors, both environmental and genetic, so those who suffer from depression are not "weak", nor are they "crazy". Working with someone who suffers from depression to help them in any way possible is the best course of action. Talking to them, spending time with them will make a world of change to them.
I'm not, by any means, saying that you are responsible for anyone else's happiness. Far from it, in fact. Those who suffer from depression have to really want to get better, and have to be prepared to work at it for a long time. But it's not hard work. In some cases, anti-depressants can be prescribed with minimal, if any, side effects. Little lifestyle changes, such as going for a walk (increases vitamin D levels and serotonin) or consuming a healthier diet can make huge changes to your mood.
But I am trying to help remove this stigma of depression being a shameful thing. Depression can hit anyone of any age and any gender. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression.
Billy Joel (singer of Uptown Girl) suffered from depression; as did Jim Carrey, J.K. Rowling, and Winston Churchill.

The first hurdle to jump when fighting depression is to make those with it feel socially accepted.

"Art saved me; it got me through my depression and self-loathing, back to a place of innocence."

No comments:

Post a Comment

Like it? Don't like it? Agree with it? Disagree with it? Well, here's a little drop-box for your views.