Depression

 So I know that everyone knows what depression is, but I don't believe they understand it. Depression is something that should be taken a bit more serious than it is. People end their lives because they are so depressed. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you feel like your back is against the wall and there is no way out? People that battle depression can feel the same, but it could be 60x worse than what you may feel. Depression takes over a persons life and prevents them from doing a LOT of things. Some people can't even function properly while battling depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. There are 3 main types of depression: major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. I bet a lot of people didn't know that bipolar disorder was considered a depressive disorder!

Major depression

• Involves symptoms for a two week period or longer.
• Is treatable.
• Affects ability to perform daily living activities.
• Episodes may happen spontaneously or consistently.
• Most people with major depression (that go untreated) attempt to end their lives.

Persistent depressive disorder 

• Formerly called dysthymia.
• A form a depression that lasts at least two years.
• Less severe than major depression, but has the same symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

• Formerly called maniac depression.
• Characterized as mood cycles and or mood swings. 
• Moods can go from a severe high (mania) or a severe low (depression)
• Can be controlled, but not treated.

There are many subcategories and classifications that go along with these main types of depression. I did not go into detail because I do not want to drift away from the topic. The bottom line is Depression is not a joke, and should not be taken as one. People really do struggle with this disorder, and most do not even recognize the shift of behavior to get the proper treatment. It is important to educate yourself on the symptoms of depression, and recognize them in people. Anything could trigger a depressive episode, so it is also important to talk to people respectfully and watch what you say. 

Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disability)

I chose to write about this topic, simply because I feel like people don't know how to properly use the term "retard". The term is technically "Intellectual Disability." It is a condition that develops before the age of 18 that includes below average intellectual function and the lack of skills needed for daily living activities. To sum it up: It basically means the person's brain didn't develop properly. 

Most people don't know that there are multiple levels of intellectual disabilities: mild, moderate, severe and profound. It describes the IQ level and abilities to perform basic living activities. 

Mild ID may include: 

• taking longer to talk, but communicating well once in conversation.
• having problems with reading and writing
• having an IQ range of 50-69

Moderate ID may include:

• may have difficulties in communicating 
• generally unable to live alone
• having an IQ range of 35-49

Severe ID may include:

• severe damage to the central nervous system
• having an IQ range of 20-34

Profound ID may include:

• incontinence
• nonverbal communication
• having an IQ of less than 20

People with various forms of IDs can learn to do a lot of things, but they just learn at a slower pace. Those with mild to moderate ID can live a functional life without assistance while those with severe to profound may need assistance with daily living activities. It does not mean they do not understand what is happening around them. 

Source:

Johnson, S. (n.d.). What causes mental retardation? 17 possible conditions. Retrieved October 04, 2016, from http://www.healthline.com/symptom/mental-retardation