Five (5) Reasons to Not Let Depression Control You

"Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration are common. Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world and contributes greatly to the global burden of disease. The effects of depression can be long-lasting or recurrent and can dramatically affect a person’s ability to function and live a rewarding life." (as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO))

As someone who has experience from personally experiencing depression during different periods of life, as well as assisting others through challenges, I have learned to be open to recognizing behaviors and thoughts which often accompany or proceed depression.   I have found many times, if we can identify the beginning of our particular cycles we can better manage the depths of despair.  I have also seen, in most cases, having a reason to stay in control  of emotions greatly increases the ability to more quickly cope and overcome feelings of depression.  Below are 5 reasons that people have identified as helpful.   

1. Family – It can be very vexing to loved one’s when you are depressed. On one hand they want nothing but the best for you, but on the other they sometimes get frustrated and wonder why you can’t simply snap out of it. It can be particularly hard on children of someone with depression as it may affect their outlook on life for many years to come. Having experienced this myself, I can say definitely this the number one reason to fight your depression.
2. Work - Work life generally suffers when in the throes of depression. It is more difficult to concentrate and not as easy to create and maintain good professional working relationships and partnerships. Furthermore, it makes being a “Self-starter” more unlikely. Rather than moving forward, maintaining the status-quo becomes more acceptable, even if only unconsciously. 
3. Love – The love life of a person with depression can suffer tremendously. Regardless of How much someone may profess their dedication to another person, if the other person can never see the bright side, it can wear on them. Life is short, right? Love conquers A WHOLE LOT, but it doesn’t conquer everything. Sometimes we must add internal fortitude to love to truly be invincible. Besides isn’t it better to fight, not just for you, but for this person that you love as well?
4. Health – University studies have proven that people who are depressed are more likely to get sick, and more likely to die of an illness than those who are content. It is in your benefit, health wise, to fight your depression as well. A recent New York Times article, citing a University study, indicated that persons who have been diagnosed as depressed have more hospital visits, and a shorter lifespan.
5. Prosperity – The depressed person sometimes lacks clarity of thought, and may miss golden opportunities to improve their lives if only they had been paying attention. This may be, perhaps, the most important point, since many people believe they would be happier if only this part of their life, or that part of their life, etc was different. Allowing good things to happen in your life might just give you the jump start needed to end the cycle of depression and self imposed-isolation (even if only figuratively).

Fighting depression can actually be a reward in many ways.  You become stronger, both mentally and physically.  As you fight and win, you feel more self-esteem.  This flows over into performing better a work.  As you feel better about yourself, you create better relationships and can focus on what is reallyimportant in life so you can improve it, for yourself, your family, friends and loved ones.