According to the statistics from the Center for Disease and Control (CDC), approximately nine percent of American adults suffer from some form of depression that produces overwhelming feelings of sadness and despair. In fact, depression is considered a global epidemic with five percent of the world’s population suffering from it.
There are a number of things that can send someone teetering near the edge of despair. Some of the well-known triggers are: trauma or abuse, divorce, financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, or unemployment. However, there are also other challenges and concerns that can create dark moments.
Caring For Someone
Being a caregiver can lead to stress and burnout that can cause a wide variety of physical and emotional health-related issues. The Caregiver Action Network says that “40-70 percent of family caregivers show clinically significant symptoms of depression.”
Special Needs Children
Parenting a special needs child can create an overwhelming sense of drowning. One study indicated that mothers of children with autism have the highest rates of depression. Although, the mom of the bipolar child with a reattachment disorder may beg to differ.
Medical Illness
Many people with chronic illnesses become depressed making it one of the most common complications. Examples of some of these conditions are people with diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, HIV/Aids, lupus, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or cancer.
Work-Life Balance
Many people struggle with trying to balance their careers and personal lives. Almost one-quarter of the American population experiences extreme levels of stress trying to juggle work and family. And, trying to establish boundaries often creates uncertainty, not to mention self-reproach and guilt when that strategy fails.
Loneliness
Social isolation or chronic loneliness has a very significant effect on depression. While lack of interaction with others is more common in older adults, it can happen at any age with damaging results. Social isolation may also be the result of conflict with family and/or friends.
Someone who is overwhelmed and depressed feels hopeless about the future. They have lost the belief that positive things will occur in their lives. There may even be thoughts of death or suicide. Read the following articles for a better understanding of What Depression Looks Like and the Eight Causes of Major Depression.
So, how do you climb out of the pit of despair? Consult with a mental health professional who can evaluate you and recommend a proactive treatment plan. Although you may feel like there is no hope, it’s important to know that professional help is available for anyone experiencing those “I Can’t Take It Anymore” feelings.
