According to Webster, a bully is someone who tries to coerce someone who is vulnerable. On school playgrounds, a bully might be a kid whose purpose is to be in power of others by making hurtful taunts and threats that hold others in fear. Bullies can be found most anywhere in our world today – in the workplace, in a domestic situation where one of the partners wants to be in control and hold the other as a hostage, cyberbullying. Our health and mind are affected.
Is depression a bully? Depression symptoms taunt, tease and can relentlessly gain control of a person’s body and mind. At its best bullying state, depression can cause us to have feelings of low self-worth, difficulty concentrating, or making decisions or loss of interest or pleasure in all activities once loved. Some say that even the brightest sunshiny day can be dark and hopeless and they just can’t get out of bed even though they want to; feelings of failure and hopelessness abound – life seems to be on a downward spiral. People with depression can either sleep too little or too much. Appetite is affected in the same way and a change in weight – loss or gain, is common.
So what can one do to combat the depression bully? Experts say about bullying that first we must recognize the bully and get serious about developing some coping skills. We all get down from time to time in our lives, but If we are feeling down for more than two weeks consistently, it is time to seek treatment and even talk therapy should be considered. A serious and truthful talk with a family doctor is a start.
According to research, there is no single cause of depression – brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, life experiences and physical health can all play a role.
Understanding the national statistics on mental health conditions can bring about awareness and bring comfort that you are not alone; do not let that fact deter you from seeking treatment. Untreated depression can lead to a nonfunctional state of existence.
Treatment resources these days are easy enough to find online or in person. An informative online resource I suggest is https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056#toc-treatment-effectiveness. Depression is treatable – do not let it bully you.
Submitted by
Dodie Melvin, Executive Director
NAMI Knox Licking County Ohio
740-397-3088
