Importance of National Depression Awareness Week

Depression often strikes when a person needs all the strength they can muster. It's not only tiring to cope with depression but knowing someone is suffering from it can also be challenging. Many people and organizations around the world realize this unfortunate fact. National Depression Awareness Week can teach the world more about this mental health condition. If a teen you love is battling depression, the team at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center can help. Contact us today at 662.373.2828 to learn more.

Why Observing National Depression Awareness Week Matters

Many people think depression is just sadness, but it's not. It is a severe mental health problem that often causes people to suffer silently, sometimes without knowing it themselves. This is one of the many reasons why we observe National Depression Awareness Week. This week can educate people about the signs and symptoms of depression and the available depression treatment program options.

Spark Meaningful Conversations

If people aren't afraid of talking about depression, the stigma around it may soon disappear. Conversations about the disease will help normalize it. Thus, people will be more willing to get treatment. Some of the ways you can help accomplish this important goal include:

Joining with your community to discuss signs, symptoms, and treatments for depression
Participating in live streams or online fundraisings
Creating your message by incorporating information from reliable sources and posting them online
Using social media by sharing tips on managing depression and using hashtags like #DepressionAwareness

Encourage People to Seek Help

Coping and fighting depression is not a battle you can do alone. The best way to deal with it is to be open and talk about what you experience and feel, helping erase the shame. However, it's not an easy task. But the more people encouraging others and are open to listening will result in those with depression being more willing to reach out.

Open a Door for Change

It's a fact that depression happens to all walks of life, whether you are an average citizen or a celebrity. Through National Depression Awareness Week, many doors open as awareness and knowledge about this mental health condition increase. With all the activities people do to show their support, the world will be ready for a change from awareness walks to social media posts.

It Affects More People than You Might Think

Mental illness affects everyone in different ways. Depression is scary because people, young or old, or men or women, can struggle with its effects. Millions of teens in the U.S. have a form of mental condition, but this number is not entirely accurate, since many choose to hide their condition and not seek depression treatment.

Eliminate the Stigma

Increasing depression awareness is the key to eliminating stigma towards mental health conditions. It's this stigma that causes people to feel ashamed, isolated, discriminated, and stereotyped. No one wants to feel like this, which is why most people struggling with mental conditions don't reach out for help. The only way to stop this is by encouraging people to talk openly, and more importantly, to show them there is help available.

How to Participate in National Depression Awareness Week

Seeing the importance of National Depression Awareness Week, you must be looking for a way to participate. You can observe this holiday in numerous ways, by reaching out to people, sharing your story, and educating yourself. Other ways you can contribute may include:

Reach out to family, friends, and community and talk about the importance of this holiday
Lend an ear and comforting hug to people struggling with depression while withholding any judgment
Don't be afraid to share your own experiences about depression as it will encourage them, knowing they aren't alone
Help yourself and those around you by learning more about the common symptoms, its effects, and depression treatment options

Help Available at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center

The best way to spread depression awareness is to increase your knowledge about it. The more you know, the better you can tell when someone needs love and support. We offer a teen depression treatment program, utilizing a range of holistic and evidence-based therapeutic methods, including:

Let our team of experts at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center help you fight depression by calling 662.373.2828 for more information.

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What to Expect When Your Child Goes to Treatment

More than half a million families put a child into residential treatment for adolescents each year. If your family is taking this step, you are not alone - even if it may feel that way. With a clear understanding of what to expect, and trusted guides walking alongside you, this moment can be transformed from a time of fear and uncertainty to the beginning of a new and positive journey. Let's begin.