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Depressive Reality

It's one of those conditions that no one prefers to discuss., claimed the being with no

physical form.

Why so?, the creature inquired, Why is it not spoken of?

Well, I am not certain actually. Social normalities perhaps. Maybe something far more,

say, destructive, about the spread of it, akin to a virus almost, the being replied in response with

vocal that can only be described as vibrantly flat.

What are you talking about ?, the creature inquired.

You haven't caught on, or it yet I see. Well, it seems that the tinder is all set. Now for a

spark the being stated.

Come again?

You haven't succumbed to The Great Disease. That is why you are tinder. And I, the

spark, The being stated as it opened its eyes to reveal the content within. You see, all of these

colors within my eyes all have meaning, yet not.

God fucking damn it! Just blatantly spit out what you're trying to say the creature shouted

with distinct ferocity.

Alright then. I am reality. I am what life is. All of its mysteries and answers, I am those.

You are one of few individuals whom haven't contracted the psychological illness known

commonly as Depression.

The creature simply stared with a face of simultaneous confusion and comprehension.

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So, if am a special one, what makes me so?

You aren't special, you just don't have it now in your current form the shapeless being

stated with an almost saddened tone.

Current form?! What the hell does that mean?!, the creature half inquired, half yelling it.

You'll see within time, the infinitely colored blob stated.

Now, I presume that this past dialogue session has most certainly confused you along with many

questions to inquire on about this past dialogue session. Do not ask those questions for all will be

detailed. This previous dialogue is, effectively, a summation of what being depressed is. Nothing

makes sense and nothing seems stable. Individuals close to you fall farther away as they drift

away from reality, at least the reality you view. That's the point. To have to change personas from

your own to mine, the author. Yes, I am and have been clinically diagnosed as depressed. My

own depression spawned from viewing the first significant loss of a relatively close family

member, as in my grandmother, passing away. The event has not left my mind and little has done

to reduce its effects. Most physical activities have done little to no permanent modifications to

my state of depression. I always wanted to try alternative ways to cure my depression but I

never had the time to do so, until now with the Senior Project. So, this project is not so much as

to inform as it is to cure, which brings me to the questions of this entire project; Why does

depression occur and in what non-medicative ways can depression be combated? There are a

multitude reasons as to why depression occurs, not to mention many of methods by which

depression can be treated; and it is not just limited to prescribed medications.

Excessively tidy and blank; that is all that can really be used to describe the office, well,

the office was more akin to an auxiliary room converted in order to serve a more desired

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purpose. Then again, this particular room was, in fact, a segment within the psychologists place

of residence. The room was an anomaly within my psychologist's home since the remaining

majority of his home was filled with what one would expect to find in a house. This room, the

room in which my past psychologist and I had bi-weekly sessions in which I would name my

emotions from the past weeks, was detailed with sea foam white walls, an oak floor that still had

trace scents of freshly sliced oak/wood, and a ceiling with clouds painted on a blue background.

This unique coloration was not just by choice, but by reason. The coloration was, and did in my

case, designed to relax all individuals within the room by expressing a sense, albeit a false one,

of open world scenery. Aside from the relatively bland room coloration, there was literally

nothing on the walls, aside from the numerous portraits, of his cats and his family, lined up in

equal, straight rows across the entire room. Furniture inside the room was rather sparse, as in

few, but pleasant. A mahogany leather couch with a black and white table laid next to an

identically colored chair and, in addition, the psychologist sat at his dull, metallic desk while in

his rotating and wheeled dark green chair. The air smelled relatively clean; there was a corgi

named Jak, who enjoyed sitting on the couch, next to the person on the couch. Jak was, in my

opinion, a curious one. I never did understand why that dog enjoyed my company so much.

Maybe he was a subtle reminder of why I was there; to control my depression.

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

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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.

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)

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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,

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

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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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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].

Looking back, after having completed the Senior Paper, theres, in all honesty, not a

significant amount of information that Ive actually learned. This entire project, the paper in

particular, felt more akin to a typical assignment than a project that literally determines whether I

am able to graduate or not. Im not stating that I have not learned anything; it is quite the

opposite. However, relations with my father have overshadowed any reason to be content with

the completion of this paper. Just to inform you, the reader, my family is divided into two parts,

my father, and the rest of us. My father is incapable of comprehending our positions on many

concepts within life and generally just ignores them and proceeds with his own work, even if it is

to the distaste to the rest of the family. The relations, between my father and I in particular, are

near non-existent. I only view him as a source of technical knowledge and nothing else. He does

nothing but berate my mother, influence my sister via peer pressure, and uphold the notion of the

traditional manly man. The relations have only gotten worse due to the fact that my

psychologist, well, used to be, aligned himself more with my father than his actual patient, me. I

dont believe that the relation between him and I can be fixed. Maybe this lack of a relation is

why I choose the topic I did for the Senior Project. Maybe it was to find a way to relieve some

emotion and feelings somewhere. Regardless of why I did this project, the main point that is the

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result of it, is that I have, indeed, felt relatively better after doing the paper and the project. So,

there might be some valid truth to the non-medication treatments for depression after all.

Works Cited

Electronic:

"What Causes Depression?" Harvard Health. Harvard Medical School, June 2009,

<http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression>. Accessed 10

February 2017.

Kresser, Chris. "Treating Depression without Drugs Part II." Chris Kresser, 15 Aug.

2008, <https://chriskresser.com/treating-depression-without-drugs-part-ii/>. Accessed 10

February 2017.

Primary:

Lahey, Lauren. "Re: Interview Questions." Personal interview. 08 Mar. 2017.

Griggs, Hannah. Personal Interview 17 Mar. 2017.

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Print:

Klebanoff, Susan, and Ellen Luborsky. Ups & Downs: How to Beat the Blues and Teen

Depression. Price Stern Sloan, 1999.

Moragne, Wendy. Depression. Twenty-First Century, 2001.

Wolff, Lisa. Teen Depression. Lucent, 1999.

Works Consulted

Electronic:

Gabbey, Amber Erickson. "Causes of Depression." Healthline. Ed. George Krucik, MD, 14

Aug. 2014, <http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/causes>. Accessed 15 February

2017.

Kresser, Chris. "Treating Depression without Drugs Part I." Chris Kresser, 12 Aug.

2008, <https://chriskresser.com/treating-depression-without-drugs-part-i/>. Accessed 10

February 2017.

Kresser, Chris. "Treating Depression without Drugs Part III." Chris Kresser, 19 Aug.

2008, <https://chriskresser.com/treating-depression-without-drugs-part-iii/>. Accessed 10

February 2017.

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