Depression hits people in different forms and times; depression is unique to everyone who encounters it and depends on what exactly one is dealing with at the time. In a study done recently with a few high school students, students were asked to define depression.

Depression was defined in many different ways, but just as it encounters people differently, it is defined uniquely. A few submissions claimed that depression is when one is “so constantly burdened by everything and anything, discouraged, drained of all hope and joy. It feels as if there is noting to look forward to or be comforted by; when one wants attention but at the same time doesn’t want to be around anyone. When one feels rejected and unimportatnt.” People have described depression to be analogous to being stuck in a glass box, where no one can hear or understand the pain a depressed person may go through. Depression also “affects the daily lives of the person affected and the surrounding people” as well.

Some internal forces that may cause depression are results from insecurities, loneliness, making dire mistakes, jealousy, and stress. For every person who experiences depression, there is always a different trigger and a unique way in which it is felt.

A very useful tool to utilize for anyone who may be going through depression is seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist because these are people who are willing to listen to anyone who wants to share. There certainly is healing when one begins to feel as if they are being listened to. Getting friends, doing things that make you specifically happy, or even finding a community at a church or family setting can only help one cope. There are many preventive measures one could take to battle depression, because it certainly is not a battle that should be fougt by one person alone. To overcome depression entirely, a person must be showered in love and acceptance and slowly make his or her way to a joyous life once again.