Suicide and Depression: Basic Info on a Complex Problem

This article is by far, not as deep as it should be. This is just a basic overview of one of the largest and most fatal problems that is plaguing our world today. For more information, please check out the link provided below.

Some Basic Information for You. *

-121 million people worldwide suffer from depression, either due to mental disorders, or any other reasons listed below.

-18 million of such cases are happening, right now in the U.S.A.

-Over 20% of teenagers (up to 50%), have a family history of depression, and the offspring of depressed parents are more than three times likely to suffer from depression.

-2/3 of depressed people never seek treatment or help. Untreated Depression is the number one cause of death among teens.

-Depression goes hand in hand with other anxiety disorders and substance abuse. 30% of teens with depression will also develop substance abuse problems.

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The numbers are staggering in and of themselves. Need I really say more on this topic? Depression, self injury, and suicide are a serious issue that so many of today’s people deal with. Its not just relegated to teenagers, no matter their style of fashion. Adults, and other “normal” teens suffer from the effects of depression. Sadness, loss of interest, emptiness, and feelings of self worthlessness are some of the effects of this serious problem.

As a teen suffering from these problems myself, I understand the need to find outlets to cope. Unlike many teens my age, and younger (I know one girl who is thirteen and has depression issues), I don’t self mutilate, abuse substances, or put myself into life threatening situations. Many teenagers (again I know quite a few) either abuse substances (illegal drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, over the counter medications, etc.), seek solace in sex with many partners (risking themselves for STDs and pregnancy), or self mutilate. There are many safe ways to deal with depression, but for some, it’s either not enough, or they choose to destroy themselves slowly, or the pull for an addiction once started is too strong to break without help.

A scientific fact for you, endorphins are the natural feel-happy substance provided by our own bodies. Wikipedia says:

Endorphins are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement, pain and orgasm and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being … Endorphins work as “natural pain relievers.”