Mental Health Awareness: Major Depressive Disorder

by Grace Copeland, LPC-MHSP Temp

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5

Major Depressive Disorder is best described as going through life with little to no hope. It is far more than just being sad, but is a persistent darkness that affects the mind, body, and soul. Some experience it as an inability to be happy, persistent sadness, lack of interest in things, or numbness. It is not something you can just will from your life. In fact, Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States.

At HeartLife, we believe that God has a heart for those who are depressed. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” One of the ways God often ministers to those battling depression is through the counseling relationship. Depression often isolates people, making them believe there is no hope and that they are alone. Counseling can be critical in helping someone come out of the darkness of depression and into the light of hope.

If you or someone you love is going through depression, please don’t hesitate to call our front desk and schedule an appointment. Don’t fight depression alone.

Sometimes, depression can lead to a feeling of such hopelessness that someone might consider hurting themselves or ending their life. At HeartLife, we take suicidal ideation and our clients' safety very seriously and believe that God created each person with dignity and worth. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a counselor or call 911.

• An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.3% of all U.S. adults.

• The prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females (10.3%) compared to males (6.2%).

• The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (18.6%).

• An estimated 5.0 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.