urban beauty said...RIP Simone Battle

How to tell if a loved one is suffering from depression

Simone Battle posing for the camera

Hello my urban beauties, sorry its been a while since my last blog post. Over the last few months, I've got hitched, went on honeymoon and started a new job - and so much has happened in the world since my last post. Unfortunately, i was compelled to write a blogpost after hearing the terrible news about the death of 25 year old X factor contestant, Simone Battle. 

Simone during the X factor auditions

There have been loads of suspicions all over the internet about how Simone died, but the circumstances of her death are still unknown. Various reports say her death was a result of suicide, whilst supposedly battling depression, but these are all suspicions. However, there are messages all over Twitter highlighting how much Simone was loved and adored by her fans.

Support from Simone Battle Fans

I know I'm guilty of looking at celebrities and assuming their lives must be perfect because they have loads of money. But I have to remember, they are human and experience the same emotions as us. 

So, when looking at the pictures of this beautiful talented singer, it provides a tiny insight into her life, but its impossible to spot the internal torment this young lady may have been feeling, that influenced her to allegedly take her own life.

But, what causes anyone to feel so low, they end up taking their own life? According to the Irish Mirror, Simone's dad said she never showed any sign of depression. So my question is, how can we spot depression and stop this happening again to another young innocent life?

Simone Battle performing

Well according to Global Depression statistics, there are 121 million people suffering from depression all over the world  and its responsible for 850,000 deaths every year.  WebMD identify depression is more prevalent in women and tends to start between the ages of 15-30. Depression can creep up on anyone and there are several famous celebrities who've battled depression publicly such as Judy Garland, JK Rowling and The Game. 

What is clinical depression?

The University Health services define Clinical depression as a "serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Individuals with clinical depression are unable to function as they used to."

There are three most prevalent forms of depression are:

Major Depression: a combination of symptoms (described above) that interfere with one's ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These episodes can occur once, twice or several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia: a less intense type of depression that involves long-term, chronic symptoms that are less severe, but keep one from functioning at full ability and from feeling good.

Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness): periods of depression alternate with periods of elation and increased activity, known as mania. Demi Lovato revealed to People magazine she suffered from anorexia, bulimia, and bipolar disorder. She didn't discover her bio polar disorder until she went in to rehab.

How to spot the signs of clinical depression

If you think you or a loved one may have clinical depression look out for some of the  following signs:-

1. continuous low mood or sadness
2. feeling hopeless and helpless
3. having low self-esteem 
4. feeling tearful
5. feeling guilt-ridden.

For the full list  of symptoms visit the NHS Direct website.

What happens if clinical depression is left untreated?

Apparently untreated clinical depression can last for weeks, months or years. WebMD says there will be an increased chance of risky behaviour such as drug and alcohol addictions if untreated, so if you spot this type of behaviour amongst one of your loved ones, they maybe trying to mask depression.

You think may have clinical  depression, what happens next?

Please do not suffer in silence, Even if you feel silly, please make an appointment with you doctor as soon as possible. 

urban beauty said... to any of my urban beauties who think they may have depression, do not suffer in silence, speak to someone and call your doctor.