Have you ever asked yourself: am I depressed? There are those who believe that people hide behind the diagnosis of depression. Which isn't even an illness, but an excuse to feel and act badly. I don't agree with this. I've seen people suffer from it, including myself. I intend to spend this essay elaborating just that. Many people go through life feeling normal, everyday emotions. For them, tomorrow is another day, a better day. However, there are some who just can't get out of that depression. To shake the melancholy feelings that begin to take over, not only their day, but their week, their months and sometimes their life. Go about your day, simply going through the motions. You may be present physically, but mentally your mind is somewhere else. Eventually, this begins to affect not only your work, academics, and family life, but also your ability to feel alive. There is a process to learning about depression and knowing how to manage it. To get started, you first need to know what depression is. Many may feel depressed, or even declare it. But there is a wide range of emotions linked to depression. There are many signs and symptoms of depression. Most complaints are about feeling sad, lost and alone. Some suffer from depression, but don't actually feel sad. Others suffer from other emotions, such as feeling empty or lifeless. There are changes in daily activities. Tasks that used to be fun or enjoyable now bring no joy. Going for a walk or going to a movie that was once enjoyable no longer appeals to you. Spending time with your family puts a strain on you. You no longer have the energy to commit to family traditions or outings. You long to stay away from everyone and… in the midst of paper problems… l. The only way to cure depression is to ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask. Look for a professional who can advise you on lifestyle changes, provide you with a support system, help you manage stress. Other alternatives become more physically active. Thrown out of the house. Research says this will make you feel better. Empower yourself to not feel alone. Enter therapy. There are many different ways to deal with depression. Different ways work for different people. I feel that if you follow these steps and look for these symptoms in someone who you think may be suffering from depression, you could be the turning point in their life. You could be the person who makes a difference. Be the shoulder they have to cry on. Push them to get into therapy and be there for them every step of the way. Depression is a serious illness, it is not a crutch.