According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 22.1% or, 1 in 5 adults, suffers a diagnosable mental disorder each year in the United States. That translates to about 44.3 million people a year. Mental illness accounts for 15% of the cost of health each year –more than the cost of all cancers.

I had clinical depression for over two years when I had been in recovery for ten years. Unfortunately, I had learned in AA that all drugs are a crutch. So wanting to continue my drug-recovery, I didn’t seek professional help until after I had recurring thoughts of despair.

When you are in depression, the change to you is so gradual that you think that you will “snap out of it” anyday. The world takes on a deeper shade of gray every day. What leaves you are all feelings of happiness. Life is an existence only. Sleep seems to be the only release from the pressures of getting through the long nothing day.

If anyone reading this can relate to these feelings, please see a mental health professional today. Psychologists can’t give any prescriptions. Instead see your primary doctor or a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication. The medication doesn’t heal you. You will also need to learn how to be well mentally and emotionally. After you are on the right medication, you may choose to see a psychologist for “talk” therapy. But please try medication to begin the long road to recovery if you have feelings of hopelessness that life is going to get better.

The medication doesn’t make you better. You have to do the work yourself. The medication gives you strength to continue finding the aspects you’ll need to better mental and emotional health.

I take medication every day. I think it as the link to complete the chain of energy I need to function. It is like insulin for diabetics. I don’t judge others who need medications for various ailments. In fact, I consider myself lucky to have found this medication.

As well as the medication, I exercise daily. The exercise releases endorphins. I also practice various spiritual practices to fend off the negative thinking. Nutrition also plays a large role in mental health.

Photo credit.