Is depression real?

People talk about depression every day.
They might use the term in a casual conversation, joke about it, or question if someone actually has it.
Not many people know what depression really is. I am no expert, but let me give you my basic understanding of what depression is.

Let me start off by saying, hormones are normal. Hormonal fluctuations happen every now and then, and even more frequently in teenagers, causing them to have frequent mood swings. For no reason, you may feel happy, or you may feel sad. But what if you start feeling sad for a very long time? What if this feeling is so overwhelming that you cannot focus on anything? What if it causes your eating habits and sleeping patterns to change? If you cannot shake it off and cannot stop thinking about it, then you may have depression.

Depression is real, and it is a mental illness which can usually be cured. It is caused simply by the lack of a hormone called serotonin, in the same way diabetes is caused by the lack of a hormone called insulin. There are other causes of depression as well, including trauma, abuse and loneliness.

The feeling of depression is just as unstoppable as a headache; it is there because of an internal, uncontrollable force. But instead of pain, you feel prolonged sadness.

If you tell someone that you are sad about something, they might say, "Just get over it."

But unless you have superpowers, you cannot voluntarily control the internal processes in your body, be it digestion, blood circulation or hormones. And these uncontrolled hormones may be the reason for your sadness.

If you feel that you have depression, do not think that you have a mental disability. You just need some help to feel better. 

You may read the following part if you think you have depression, or you know someone who has depression

In most cases of depression, the feelings of sadness are so strong that you will begin thinking of every possible way to stop it... even if it means ending your life. But I advise you not to do that. There are much better ways to cope with depression. The first way is to talk to an adult who is understanding and compassionate. It could be your parent, teacher, or even an older friend. You may think that talking will not help you, but trust me, talking to someone makes a huge difference. 
If you do not know anyone who will sympathize with you, call the Fortis mental health helpline:

+91 837 680 4102

Take care and stay safe