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Depression And Mental Illness

Decent Essays

When one thinks of an illness, most individuals picture a visible decline in one’s physical health. Individuals picture a person coughing, sneezing, or vomiting; however, not all illnesses are outwardly shown. Depression is a mental illness. Mental illnesses are not illnesses that can be seen just by glancing at an individual; nonetheless, they are just as harmful and detrimental as physical ailments. According to Healthy People 2020, depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness (Reeves et al 2011). Depression affects individuals of all ages, but it is especially prominent in college students. Research has also shown that approximately 1 in 12 adults have experienced depression or depressive symptoms within a 12 month period …show more content…

Depression has been identified as the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of burden (Whisman 2015). The result of depression can lead to deteriorated relationships, poor academic outcomes, and low outlook on life. Likewise, depression has been shown to increase the likelihood of chronic diseases in an individual. Depression increases one’s probability of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 2017). Depression can also have a more serious ramification. This illness does not cause death, however, untreated this illness can lead to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 2017) and the 3rd leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-24 (Smith 2015). Suicide can occur as a result of many different situations, but negative mental health is a common precursor. It was found that approximately 1,110 college students commit suicide per year (Smith 2015). This alarming statistic solidifies college students’ need for help. Like other mental illnesses, depression can be a life-long battle. Depression, along with other chronic illnesses, is expensive. This illness not only creates emotional detriment, but also enables economic hardship as well. According to Healthy People 2020, depression causes “psychosocial and economic costs-not only for people living with the disorder, but also for their families, schools, workplaces, and communities” (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

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