A Crisis We Can’t Ignore

If we made a country of all the people in the U.S. who say they or a family member have gone through a severe mental health crisis, it would be the ninth largest nation in the world.

This would be over 169 million people, and if they all showed up at school or work tomorrow with a broken bone, we would call it an epidemic. That’s not including the countless more who experience a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety to depression to trauma-related stress, to name a few.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s recognize our country’s mental health epidemic is exactly that. Not a myth or a month or a message, but a crisis, as broad as it is personal, and we can’t ignore our power—and responsibility—to make a difference.

For people living with depression, especially, the pandemic revealed and exacerbated its magnitude. ?Prevalence increased nearly 25% and the severity of symptoms also rose dramatically.

Yet, we remain too timid or ashamed to speak openly and honestly about depression. We fear being judged if we’re vulnerable. We still find it hard to ask for—and to offer—help.

It’s been said that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. We must take advantage of this moment. The only thing worse than not knowing how many people face depression, is knowing and not doing enough to change course.

For the children and young adults who wake up every morning feeling hopeless.

For the underserved communities—people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those in rural areas—who struggle to get the care we all deserve.

For the older Americans who feel isolated and lonely, which is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

And for our colleagues and employees, who want to contribute fully and need our support. The productivity loss, healthcare expenses, and other costs associated with depression are estimated to drain more than $300 billion from the U.S. economy every year.

It’s encouraging to see the Biden administration, employers, state policy makers, healthcare organizations, and payers take meaningful action to address depression.

However, as one person, it can feel like there’s nothing we can do. But this is never true—we can always show up for someone we care about.

Depression healthcare providers tell us to watch for common signs: withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep or eating, and persistent feelings of hopelessness or negativity. But they also caution us that most people don’t recognize these symptoms as depression; instead, they think it’s physical.

If you notice these signs in your family, friends, or colleagues, don’t ignore it. Talk to them. Encourage them to seek help—from a support group, therapist, or doctor. Just as important, stay involved.

?It has been heartbreaking to learn that people living with depression lose their support systems the moment they need it most: after months of pursuing care but are still experiencing symptoms—adding to their shame and isolation.?How many of us have wondered about a friend who we no longer hear from, and as a result, we no longer check on. I know I have.

Remember: being there for someone is more than saying “let me know what you need.” People living with depression can’t always tell you. Show grace. Show kindness. Show patience in your support.?

Most importantly, don’t ignore what you see.

If more of us speak out and rally in support for the people we care about, we can start to change how our society talks about depression. We can help people feel empowered and safe to share their stories and get the help they need.

We can become a force for good that cannot be ignored.

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #depression