抑郁症被称为21世纪三大疾病之一。据统计，世界上大约有12%的人在他们的一生中的某个时期都曾经历过相当严重、需要治疗的抑郁症，而且抑郁症往往具有“隐形”的特征。这是一部来自世界卫生组织的公益视频，关于抑郁，关于如何与抑郁相处。

关于抑郁,关于如何与抑郁相处。与其逃避问题,不如拥抱它们,错过生活才是遗憾!

以下是原版英文字母

At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don't know where to turn for help. However, depression is largely preventable and treatable. Recognising depression and seeking help is the first and most critical towards recovery.

In collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) to mark World Mental Health Day (October 10), writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the "black dog of depression". The story is stated below.

I had a black dog ? his name was Depression. Whenever the black dog made an appearance, I felt empty and life just seemed to slow down. He could surprise me with the visit for no reason or occasion. The back dog could made me look and feel older than my years.

When the rest of the world seemed to be enjoying life, I could only see it through the black dog. Activities that usually brought me pleasure suddenly ceased to. He liked to ruin my appetite. He chewed up my memoryand my ability to concentrate. Doing anything or going anywhere with black dog required superhuman strength.

At social occasions, he would sniff out what confidence I had and chase it away. My biggest fear was being found out; I worried that people might judge me. Because of the shame and constant stigma of the black dog, I was constantly worried about being found out.

So I invested a vast amount of energy to covering him up. Keeping up an emotional life is exhausting! Black dog could make me think or say negative things. He could make me irritable and difficult to be around. He would take my love and bury my intimacy. He loved nothing more than to wake me with highly reparative negative thinking. He also liked to remind me how exhausted I was going to be the next day.

Having a black dog in your life is not so much about feeling a bit down, sad or blue. At its worst, it is about being devoid of feeling altogether. As I grew older, black dog got bigger and he started hanging around all the time. I chased them off with whatever I thought might send him running. But more often than not, he would come out on top. Going down became easier than getting up again.

So I became rather good at self medication which never really helped. Eventually I felt totally isolated from everything and everyone. The black dog had finally succeeded in hijacking my life.

Thankfully this was time when I sought professional help. This was my first step towards recovery and was a major turning point in my life.

I learnt that it does not matter who you are, the black dog affects millions and millions of people. It is an equal opportunity mangrove. I also learnt that there was no magic pill. Medication can help some and others might need different approach altogether.

I also learnt that being emotionally genuine or authentic to those who close to you can be an absolute game changer. Most importantly I learnt not to be afraid of black dog and taught him a few tricks of my own. The more tried or stressed you get the louder he barks. It is important to learn how to quiet your mind.

It is clinically proven that regular exercise is as effective in mild to moderate depression as antidepressant drugs. So go for a walk or run and leave the mutt behind.

Keeping a mood journal or getting your thoughts on paper is often insightful. Also keep track of the things you have been grateful for.

The most important thing to remember is that no matter how bad it gets, if you take right steps, talk to the right people, black dog days can and will pass.

I wouldn't say that I am grateful for the black dog. But he has been an incredible teacher. He forced me to re-evaluate and simplify my life. I learnt that rather than running away from my problems, it is better to embrace them.

The black dog may always be a part of my life. But he would never be the beast that it was. We have an understanding now. I've learnt through knowledge, patience, discipline and humour, the worst black dog canbe made to heel.

bring/call somebody to heel to force someone to obey you

If you are in difficulty, never be afraid to ask for help. There is absolutely no shame in doing so; the only shame is missing out of life.

CREDIT: the star daily