Celebrities are envied for being beautiful, rich, talented and in great shape. However, it’s no secret there’s the dark side to fame and fortune. All too often we’ve lost famous faces well before their time. While tragedies like suicide and drug abuse are common outcomes for those that can’t seem to overcome their inner demons, issues like depression tend to be a more dangerous, silent threat that is finally shedding its taboo reputation.
More than ever, celebrities in the spotlight are coming forward to publicly share their experiences with depression and how they’ve managed to handle it. Although 2013 is barely underway, there are already a handful of celebs telling their story. Award-winning singer, LeAnn Rimes, is the latest to admit her struggle with depression, which got so bad she even contemplated suicide. Former member of the singing group, Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams, has also joined the public bandwagon by speaking publicly about battling depression, which she has been struggling with since her teen years.
More than ever, the public is realizing how serious depression is, recognizing the common symptoms and learning when to ask for help. Although celebrities have the financial means to check themselves into the most top notch healthcare facilities, there are tons of places where the average Joe and Jane can receive help. Depression centers are one of the most effective facilities where those dealing with this condition can seek assistance. Finding a local center is as easy as doing a basic online search according to city and state.
Unfortunately, it isn’t just celebrities that often become victims of depression. Recent studies show the numbers of college age students suffering from depression is steadily on the rise. These reports found that at any one time, between 10-40% of college students are affected by this condition. Unfortunately, not every student recognizes the symptoms and/or don’t believe they have depression. This usually results in shrugging the problem off and/or waiting until the condition is at its worst before reaching out for help.
This is why it is very important for college students to take advantage of the services offered at their student health center. A number of these on-campus facilities have a wide range of resources and knowledgeable staff who are trained to handle issues like depression and other mental health needs.
Students don’t have to be enrolled at the most prestigious or expensive university in order to gain access to quality student health service centers, either. Many people might be surprised to know that City College of San Francisco, in the San Francisco Bay Area, has a great reputation and receives high marks for the quality of its customer service, overall experience and range of services offered.
In addition to visiting a local depression center, there are also countless websites and online support groups dedicated to providing a virtual atmosphere where individuals have the ability to connect with others in similar situations and share their experiences without fear of being judged or criticized.
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