In today’s ever-changing world, countries around the globe are facing their fair share of problems, whether that be hunger, disease, or homelessness; however, there is one issue that all countries have, a rise in mental illness.

In the United States alone, depression affects 16.1 million adults, while 6.8 million suffer from a general anxiety disorder. Out of those numbers, only 43.2 percent get treated. (all information was obtained by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.) 

The international number of cases is even higher. The World Health Organization states over 264 million people of all ages are suffering from depression.

Depression and anxiety come in Different Forms. 

Mental disorders are like viruses in that they come in different variants.

1. Major Depressive Disorder

According to Dr. Debra Fulghum Bruce, people who suffer from this form of depression feel down most days of the week.

Symptoms Include:

 Loss of interest,

weight loss or gain,

trouble sleeping or feeling sleepy during the day,

suffer from feelings of guilt or worthlessness. 

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

This form of depression can last up to two years or longer. Doctors use this term to describe two conditions. The first is dysthymia, also known as low-grade persistent depression, and chronic major depression.

Symptoms include:

change in appetite

change in sleep,

lack of energy

low self-esteem,

Trouble with concentration or making decisions.

3. Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression.

Bipolar disorder differs from other forms of depression because the patient often suffers from highs and lows. People in the low phase suffer from a major depressive episode for an extended period. 

4. Seasonal Depression.

Seasonal depression usually occurs during the winter months and can be treated with the help of medication and light therapy. For the treatment to be effective, you will need to sit in a special bright light box for 15-30 minutes each day.

5. Psychotic Depression.

Patients who suffer from psychotic depression experience the same symptoms of major depression along with psychotic symptoms, such as.

Hallucinations

Delusions

Paranoia.

6. Postpartum Depression.

Mostly occurs in women who have recently given birth. Easily treatable with medication. Note: Do not ignore symptoms. If you or a loved one are showing signs, please seek a doctor's advice and get help for you and your baby's safety.

7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Women who suffer from PMDD have depression and other symptoms at the start of their period.

Symptoms:

Mood Swings 

Anxiety

Tiredness

Trouble with concentration.

All information was found on WebMD. If you believe you are suffering from any of the above, please talk to your doctor. 

Why is it so hard for people to get treated for depression and anxiety?

One of the main reasons a good majority of people don't seek treatment for their depression or other mental disorder is the negative stigma that is associated with it. 

Why is there such a negative stigma around something that affects millions? One reason is because of old-fashioned beliefs, mental illness was often viewed as a disgrace to the family or misinterpreted as a punishment from God depending on the period. It was also seen and still is, in some parts of the world, as a weakness. 

Another major problem is how media outlets interpret people with mental issues; usually portraying them as violent, obsessive, with poorly kept hygiene and social skills.

Lifetime movies are the best example of this, where the girl or guy has a mental illness such as depression or a personality disorder and ends up in an asylum at the end. 

Please don't misunderstand, I'm not blaming this all on Lifetime, as several other films and television programs are guilty of this as well, nor do I want them to be banned. I would like them to stop trying to blame unacceptable behavior on mental illness. 

One of the biggest faults in media with making a character with mental illness is that they often blur the character's rationale between right and wrong. The reality is most people suffering from depression can still tell the difference. With that being said, some severe forms of depression or anxiety can cause a mental break. However, this can be avoided with proper treatment.

As stated above, this negative representation has spread misguided ideas about people who suffer from depression or another mental disorder. It also has made people hesitant to seek treatment for fear of being labeled as crazy or different. 

Religious prohibition is another major issue people with depression face. I have strong opinions on this one, so here's some personal advice, if anyone tells you not to seek medical help for a mental disorder please ignore them. I can tell you, God wants you to get help. 

If you don't believe me, please look at what happened to Andrea Yates, who murdered her five children. Anyone today could look back and see that Mrs. Yates needed medication, but was denied because of religious reasons. 

As religious as I am, I will never condone the prohibition of someone seeking medical treatment for something out of their control. Not only is it cruel, but it's also dangerous. As someone who suffered from depression and anxiety for two years without treatment, I can tell you right now that it doesn't get better on its own.

I can also attest that it was as close to torture as, hopefully, I'll ever come close to. So please get help from a medical professional or at least get counseling. 

Stop Treating Mental Illness Like a Dirty Secret.

People need to stop treating mental illness like a dirty secret. Unfortunately, across the globe, many first-world countries still lack proper opportunities to seek treatment. The sad reality is this has led to a high suicide rate that could have potentially been avoided. 

The only way this issue can be fixed is if people talk about it. Educated people on how the mind works is the only way things will change, as well as standing up to those who are hindering someone from getting help. 

Remember, it's never okay for someone to prevent you from being healthy or mistreating you because you're suffering from something out of your control. 

At Home Anti-Anxiety Solutions.

If you are suffering from severe depression or any other mental illness, seek help; however, if you are suffering from mild bouts of anxiety here are some healthy ideas to make you feel better. 

1. Exercise: exercising, such as taking walks around your neighborhood or a park, is a great way to relax and clear your mind. Not only that, but your body will also physically benefit. 
2. Take a nap.

If you have the time, try taking a nap. Not only will it refresh your body, but it will also refresh your mind. 

3. Take a Hot Shower.

Showering is a great way to relax your muscles and when your body is physically relaxed, your mind feels better. 

4. Write.

Writing your worries down is a good way to put your thoughts together and put things into perspective. Keeping a journal or a small notebook with you to put down your worries will help you feel better in the long run. Plus, you can write encouraging notes to yourself while you're at it.  

5. Pray.

If your religious prayer is a great way to help relieve stress.

6. Listen To Music.

Playing your favorite songs is a fabulous stress reliever because it's a positive association, plus it can release endorphins, which will make you feel better. 

7. Take a Break.

If you're suffering from work or school-related stress, take a break between assignments so you don't burn yourself out. 

8. Read.

Take some time out of your day to read that book you've been meaning to finish. This is a good way to distract yourself for a little while.

9. Play With Your Pet.

Pets are great at making us feel better. Taking some time to love them will make you feel better.

10. Clean.

Keeping your space clean will make you feel better by giving you a sense of accomplishment. 

Tips on what not to do when you're depressed.

1. Don't Self-Medicate!

Self Medicated is when you turn to alcohol or any of the market drugs. If you feel you need medication, please find a doctor or clinic, as they're plenty of anti-depressants out there.  

2. Don't Eat.

Do not eat to cope, as this will lead to unhealthy habits. 

I can't stress this issue enough. If you or a loved one need help, please find someone to reach out to, or find a doctor right away.