Depression awareness uses a green ribbon color. The green ribbon is also for mental health awareness. October is Depression and Mental Health awareness month. October 10th is World Mental Health Day per the World Health Organization (WHO). It is used to raise awareness for mental health issues around the world. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has the beginning of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
The US National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) explains the diagnosis and types of depression:
What is depression?
Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks.
There are different types of depression, some of which develop due to specific circumstances.
- Major depression includes symptoms of depressed mood or loss of interest, most of the time for at least 2 weeks, that interfere with daily activities.
- Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia or dysthymic disorder) consists of less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, usually for at least 2 years.
- Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during or after pregnancy. Depression that begins during pregnancy is prenatal depression and depression that begins after the baby is born is postpartum depression.
- Seasonal affective disorder is depression that comes and goes with the seasons, with symptoms typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.
- Depression with symptoms of psychosis is a severe form of depression in which a person experiences psychosis symptoms, such as delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not hear or see).
The NIMH notes the common symptoms of depression as:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of irritability, frustration‚ or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or being “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and that do not ease even with treatment
- Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
The depression awareness ribbon is available on a variety of merchandise that already has a variety of messages. There are also blank green awareness ribbon merchandise options too. All items in the Awareness Gallery store can be customized with your own words and images. The green awareness ribbon is for mental health awareness which is available on merchandise too.
This ribbon art can also be available through the non-profit, DonnaBellas Angels. It provides inspirational art for mental health wellness. Email us at info@awarenessgallery.com.
