In our society, depression is still taboo; talking about it usually has a negative connotation, as if it were something that only affected "weird" people. But the reality is that it’s a common mental health condition that touches people of all ages and backgrounds—including us.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression (in Latin America, depression affects an estimated 5.8% of the population).
Depression can cause a range of symptoms, including sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. It can also increase the risk of suicide. That’s precisely why we should talk about it; depression is treatable with the right care.
In this episode of the podcast, we open our hearts to talk about our experience dealing with this condition, sharing our thoughts and approaches to solving it. Because, yes, seeking help from a mental health professional or a support group, exercising, eating better, cutting down on alcohol, meditating, and being in nature, can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
If you’re suffering from depression, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help. We provided organizations and contact lines below.
Remember, life can be beautiful and this too shall pass.
(Disclaimer: we are not doctors. Every advice shared here is based on our own experience)
USA:
•National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
•Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741 or visit their website at https://www.crisistextline.org/
•The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) - 1-866-488-7386 or visit their website at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
•Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255, press 1 or text 838255 or visit their website at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Mexico:
•Centro de Atención Telefónica para Problemas de Ansiedad y Depresión - 55-5259-8121 or visit their website at https://www.salud.cdmx.gob.mx/servicios/salud-mental/centro-de-atencion-telefonica-para-problemas-de-ansiedad-y-depresion
•Línea de la Vida - 800-911-2000 or visit their website at https://www.gob.mx/salud/articulos/linea-de-la-vida-2
Colombia:
•Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio - 01-8000-113-113 or visit their website at http://www.prevencionsuicidio.gov.co/
•Fundación Anar (for children and adolescents) - 01-8000-515-111 or visit their website at https://www.fundacionanar.org/
Bolivia:
•Fundación Vivir Bien - 800-10-5080 or visit their website at https://www.fundacionvivirbien.org/servicios.html
•Centro de Orientación e Información en Salud Mental (COISAM) - 2-231-8181 or visit their website at http://coisam.org.bo/
Europe:
•Samaritans (UK and Ireland) - 116 123 or visit their website at https://www.samaritans.org/
•SOS Amitié (France) - 09-72-39-40-50 or visit their website at https://www.sos-amitie.com/
•Telefono Amico Italia (Italy) - 199-284-284 or visit their website at https://www.telefonoamico.it/
•Telefonseelsorge (Germany) - 0800-111-0-111 or visit their website at https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/
•Kriisikeskus (Finland) - 01019-5202 or visit their website at https://mieli.fi/fi/kriisikeskukset
•Teléfono de la Esperanza (Spain) - 717-003-717 or visit their website at https://telefonodelaesperanza.org/
•SOS Voz Amiga - 213-544-545 or visit their website at https://sosvozamiga.org/