This National Depression Education & Awareness Month, let’s break the stigma and spread the message: you are not alone, and help is available.
October is National Depression Education & Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the realities of depression, a condition that affects millions of people across the globe. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggle, know that you are far from it. Depression can often feel isolating, but it's more common than you might think—and there are many resources available to support you on your journey toward healing.
Depression by the Numbers - How Common Is It?
Let’s start with some important statistics to show just how widespread depression really is. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 280 million people worldwide experience depression, with about 21 million adults in the U.S. affected each year. The numbers are even more startling when we consider that 1 in 6 people will experience depression at some point in their life. Despite its prevalence, many people don’t seek help—often due to stigma or the fear that they’re alone in their struggles.
But the truth is, you’re not alone. Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it’s okay to reach out for support.
Take a Moment for Self-Reflection
If you’ve been feeling down, hopeless, or overwhelmed for an extended period of time, it might be helpful to assess your symptoms. We’ve embedded a video below that includes a simple depression assessment. It’s a gentle tool to help you recognize if what you're experiencing could be depression, and it can be a good first step toward seeking help. Remember, this is not a diagnostic tool, but a starting point to better understand how you're feeling.
Resources for Support
When you’re ready to take the next step, there are many resources available to help you manage depression and regain control of your mental health.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by texting HELLO to 741741. This line is available 24/7, and talking to someone can be the first step toward feeling supported.
Therapy & Affordable Options Finding a therapist who’s the right fit can be life-changing, but it can also feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are affordable resources available. Open Path Collective is a nonprofit organization that offers therapy sessions at reduced rates, making mental health care more accessible. With Open Path, you can connect with licensed therapists for as little as $30–$60 per session, both in-person and online.
Workbooks for Depression - Tools You Can Use at Home
In addition to professional help, using self-guided workbooks can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Here are two highly rated options:
"The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression" by William J. Knaus This workbook is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a widely recommended approach for managing depression. It offers practical exercises to challenge negative thinking patterns and promote healthier, more positive thoughts.
"Mind Over Mood" by Dennis Greenberger & Christine A. Padesky Another workbook based on CBT, Mind Over Mood helps you identify and address emotions and thought patterns that may be contributing to your depression. It’s packed with exercises and worksheets designed to help you take control of your emotional well-being.
Mindfulness & Meditation: A Calming Tool
In addition to therapy and workbooks, mindfulness practices can play a huge role in managing depression. Mindfulness encourages you to be present in the moment and observe your thoughts without judgment, helping reduce the intensity of negative emotions.
Here’s a simple mindfulness exercise you can try whenever you're feeling overwhelmed:
Find a quiet space – Sit comfortably in a place where you won't be disturbed.
Focus on your breath – Gently close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
Notice your body – Pay attention to how your body feels—your hands resting on your lap, your feet on the ground. Notice any tension or discomfort, and just observe it without trying to change anything.
Anchor yourself – When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath. You can even say to yourself, “Inhale, exhale,” to keep your attention grounded.
End with kindness – As you finish, take a moment to thank yourself for taking this time. Be kind to yourself, even if it felt difficult or your mind wandered a lot.
Mindfulness can help create small moments of peace in a hectic world, which can be particularly soothing when you're feeling low.
If you’re looking for something a little more structured, you might enjoy the Headspace or Calm apps. Both offer guided meditations specifically designed to help with depression and anxiety, and many find them to be a helpful addition to their mental health toolkit.
You Deserve Support
Depression is tough, but support is out there. Whether it’s through therapy, self-help tools, or taking moments for mindfulness, remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are so many people and resources ready to assist you on your path to healing.
This National Depression Education & Awareness Month, let’s break the stigma and spread the message: you are not alone, and help is available.
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