Depression in High Achievers

[dtengineering]

Originally Posted by basicxman

If this post is off pour taste then by all means please delete it.

This post is most definitely not of poor taste. Depression spans a wide range, from "feeling blah", to a serious clinical condition that can be quite deadly. One of the things that makes it particularly deadly is that for some reason people feel uncomfortable discussing it openly, giving depression a social stigma that prevents people from asking for help.

For a mild case, then changing things up, getting exercise and just "getting on with life" can be helpful, but in more serious cases there are actual chemical imbalances in the body that make it just about impossible to overcome on your own.

Fortunately high school students tend to have access to school counsellors who can help them access medical resources when required, but it is hardly just high school students who have to fight depression. College students and adults are also at risk and need to know when and where they can go for help.

By being open about your struggles with depression you are making it easier for others to say, "Hey... maybe I'm struggling with depression, too. Maybe I should get some help." After all, we wouldn't sit around saying, "Oh, I'm fighting cancer. Maybe I can cure it by thinking happy thoughts!". Clinical depression, like cancer and a number of other illnesses, is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Thank you for sharing this positive message. Were there any resources that you found particularly helpful in fighting depression, or any websites that you have found particularly relevant?

Jason