The Truth about Depression

When I was a sophomore in college, I was assigned to write a story about Mental Health Month for our student newspaper. As far as articles go, it should have been an easy one. All I had to do was show up for an interview with one of the event’s organizers, gather a couple of quotes  and write a few sentences about the warning signs of depression.

The woman I was scheduled to meet, however, was running late. While I waited, her assistant suggested that I take a depression assessment quiz, which her office had developed as part of the campus’s month-long campaign. I couldn’t help but notice the woman fidget as I checked box after box – seven out of ten, in the end – about feelings of loneliness and inadequacy; changing sleep and eating patterns; and family history of mental illness.

“Well,” the woman began as she looked over my sheet. “This assessment indicates that you may be at risk for depression.”

I shrugged. I may also just be a 19-year old living in a three-room apartment with five other girls, making $6 an hour escorting historical reenactors from the American Revolution around malls in the Philadelphia suburbs. Quite frankly, that’s enough to make anyone want to tip her canoe.

“I’m fine,” I said to the woman as I waved the paper in her face. “Besides, if this is what depression is, then everyone I know has it.”

At the time, I had no idea how right I was.

Rest in peace to Anthony Bourdain, the man who made me tolerate both cable TV and stories about food – and inspired me to travel far and wide, with an open mind and heart. The world was better with you in it.

For anyone who needs it:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Crisis Text Line

Hope Line

My email

5 comments to “The Truth about Depression”
  1. The story of someone finding that could have depression and not even realize it because thinks that this is just normal, is more common than most people think.
    This means that today’s society is failing big time at its most.

  2. Depression is so common and such a taboo topic. Admitting to having depression or even having symptoms of depression is difficult for people. I hope recent events inspires sufferers to seek help/treatment and empowers others to reach out to those displaying symptoms.

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