I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

For further assessment or if you are concerned about any of the
mentioned symptoms, please consult a medical doctor or mental
health professional (i.e. psychiatrist, clinical psychologist,
counselor). Remember, depression is treatable and effective
treatments are available. The earlier you seek help, the better the
outcome.
How painful is depression?
It’s not uncommon to hear patients with
depression express that the pain of depression
(e.g. no mood, hopelessness, tiredness,
restlessness) is worse than the pain of any
physical illness. Some even physically hurt themselves, e.g.
cut their hands with a blade to induce physical pain; the physical
pain distracts them from the emotional pain. According to World
Health Organization (WHO), depression will be the 2 nd most
disabling illness by 2020. Because of the tremendous suffering
associated with depression, it’s not surprising that some people
choose to commit suicide to end depression. Please don’t do that -
you don’t need to continue suffering. Depression is a treatable
illness – get treatment early. Soon, you will be well and moving on
with life.
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