Twenty-seven percent of NC State students reported being so depressed in the past year that it was difficult to function, but there are many more who are too scared to get the help they need.
After struggling with depression for years, I finally told my then-boyfriend I was going to seek help. I didn’t expect him to say, “Don’t.” I’ve always heard that there was this stigma against mental illness, but I didn’t believe there was one until I experienced it myself. I thought he would want me to get better.
It was almost Christmas when I sat in the Atrium and faced a loved one who I thought would understand and support me. “I don’t want you to change,” he said. “I don’t mind that you cry every day.” But I cared. I wanted to be able to sleep through the night and eat a full meal without feeling guilty. I was constantly suffering from multiple symptoms of depression, and I wanted to change.
According to Mental Health America, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and although this condition is alarmingly prevalent in our society, depression is treated as something that should remain hidden from the public’s eye.
The BioMed Central Psychiatry Department determined that stigma and embarrassment were the top reasons why people with mental illness did not seek medical assistance. Because of this, there are multiple efforts carried out on campus to crush this stigma.
“Stop the Stigma” is one of the NC State Counseling Center’s programs. Its purpose is to educate students on how common mental health issues are and create a more understanding campus. There are many people who believe that there is no longer a stigma against mental illness, and at one point so did I. I did not feel embarrassed about seeking help for my depression until I was confronted with my then-boyfriend’s judgment. He made me feel that my emotions and struggles were invalid.
In the end, I decided to take care of myself rather than worry about someone’s opinion of what was best for my mental health. He would never understand what I was feeling, but it was not my job to convince him. I was the one in control, and I was determined to get better.
There are many ways of treating mental illness including counseling, self-care or medication. Nearly one in six NC State students seek services at the NC State Counseling Center every year. Trained professionals can give new perspectives and advice on situations that friends and family may not offer. Self-care can include building healthy relationships, finding new hobbies or exercising. For those who need help beyond self-care, medication can give people that extra boost. Within four to six weeks of beginning medication, up to 80 percent of people treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
The solution to my depression was being prescribed medication. I have been taking medication for three months, and my entire life has improved. My emotions are now stable, I have a consistent appetite and my overall outlook on life is positive. I am no longer in a toxic relationship, and have gained a close-knit group of friends and family who encourage and love me.
Medication may not be the answer for everyone’s mental illnesses, but finding a professional to talk to is necessary. The NC State Counseling Center has trained professionals, workshops and programs designed to help students who might be struggling. Students with depression should not be discouraged from seeking assistance, and we should not view mental illness as a shameful disability. The consequences of depression are far too grave not to see it as a real problem.
