Last semester, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, commonly known as depression. Despite the fact that I’m a social work major and mental health advocate who has struggled with low energy levels and self-destructive behavior since I was 11, I never sought professional help until last January. 

I’m not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.1 percent of adults are experiencing depression at any given time in the United States. Though the thought of nearly one in 10 individuals having depression is enough to make my stomach churn, the number is likely to be much higher than reported, as it is estimated that one-third of adults experiencing depression do not seek professional help, according to a scholarly article published by the National Institutes of Health.

Throughout my depressive episodes, I experienced immobilizing, low energy levels that led me to sleep as much as 16 hours per day and still wake up fatigued. Small mistakes, such as a slightly awkward conversation with a cashier, would render me overwhelmed with self-loathing. I would occasionally have panic attacks during which I was convinced the world was closing in on me. At my lowest point, I’d skip classes for fear of being unwelcome. 

Depression can be profoundly detrimental to an individual’s life, yet most deny treatment. Even I neglected my mental health for many years. Because I have a strong interest in pursuing mental health as a concentration, I decided to conduct qualitative research with the help of social work professors Dr. Bonnie Ahn and Dr. Lolita Boykin to see why mental health treatment avoidance is so widespread. Current literature reports the reasons depressed college students don’t seek help include feeling as if depression makes them weak, believing no one can help, fearing consequences such as hospitalization and feelings of embarrassment. 

When I finally received treatment, I faced all of these doubts and apprehensions about the mental health services I was seeking. Depression makes you feel isolated and completely broken. However, after taking medication and going to counseling, I began the arduous process of recovery and am now the healthy, happy person I deserve to be. 

Seeing “Lions Confessions” Facebook posts such as, “The only reason why I haven’t committed suicide is because I’m Christian and I don’t want to spend eternity in hell” and “I spent all day in bed yesterday and canceled my appointment at the Counseling Center today. I keep trying and trying to pull myself out of this, but I don’t think I can. I’m giving up. I really do think the world would be better off without me,” show that depression affects more than just a few of us. Even if you personally don’t suffer from depression, you may have a loved one struggling with it in plain sight. 

It’s important that we all do our part to reduce the stigma of depression and other mental illnesses so people aren’t afraid to get help. We need to show support, compassion and learn to treat mental illnesses as what they actually are—illnesses, not character flaws. Depression is not weakness. In fact, it’s the most difficult challenge I have ever overcome. I view my experience as a triumph, not something to be ashamed of. 

If you are experiencing depression or suicidal ideation, I encourage you to seek help from the Counseling Center on campus, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals at the Counseling Center at 985-549-3894. Help is available. You are worth it