Psychology Disorders and Therapy

Depression and ADHD are just a couple of disorders that people are diagnosed with yearly. At least 9.4% of children ages 9-17 have been reported to have ADHD, and at least 6.9% of the population (roughly 350 million people) have been said to have suffered from depression. Depression is also known to be one of the leading causes of disability. However, I did interview two people that are very close to my heart, and I am going to change the names, so they are protected since social media is crazy nowadays. Anyway, I decided to interview Robert that has discussed his minor setbacks dealing with depression. 

• First question: What were some of the symptoms you noticed that lead you to the conclusion of depression? His response: "I was overly contemplating suicide." 
• Second question: What were some of the significant challenges/difficulties when dealing with depression? His response: "lack of motivation to stay engaged with other people and also not to dwell on the negativity that life throws at you."
• Third question: What is it like to live with depression? His response: "Once you understand and address it you then will always have it in mind. One thing I've learned is to not let it get out of hand and let it lead you down a negative road that you cant get out of. Also, take your medication."
• Fourth question: What kind of treatment did you use to help with your depression? His response: "I use medication and a lot of self-awareness to keep myself in check."
• Fifth question: Who has helped along this process? "Mainly your mother has been there for an unbias opinion to help and encourage me."
• Sixth question: What worked and what did not work when it came to managing your depression? "Well, I've been known to be a very private person, so I needed to be strong enough and know when is a good time to ask for help when I need it." 
• Last question: How is the quality of life now? His response: "Excellent! Happy, and now I am on a lower amount of medication. I am very proud of my achievements and what I have been able to overcome.

The next person I was able to interview was another significant person that is close to my heart. Also, we are changing names. Maverick has suffered from ADHD and has overcome it with minimal setbacks from the past. Maverick has suffered from ADHD throughout his early adult years. Getting the opportunity to interview him, this is what was said.

• First question: What were some of the symptoms you noticed that lead you to the conclusion of ADHD? His response: "I was extremely fidgety, and I could not keep my feet still when I sat down."
• Second question: What were some of the significant challenges/difficulties when dealing with ADHD? His response: "I was not able to focus or concentrate on the classwork or important things in front of me that needed to be done. I mainly had a wondering mind."
• Third question: What's it like to live with ADHD? His response: "Horrible, it feels like you want to do something else to counteract fidgeting but can not control it."
• Fourth question: What kind of treatment process did you use? His response: Nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine all were my go to and slowed my motor in my brain down in order to focus."
• Fifth question: Who helped you along this process to recovery? His response: "Nobody really, I had to learn how to handle it on my own and rely on myself to understand my limitations."
• Sixth question: What do you think worked and what didn't work when it came to managing the symptoms? His response: "Well, I mainly relied on nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine, but I also had to have the will, and the determination to succeed. Failure was not an option for me."
• Seventh question: How is the quality of life now? His response: "Knowledgeable for the most part. I am able to counteract the stages of ADHD with a better and more focused head than I did back then."

Mental disorders are a tricky topic that many people feel vulnerable talking about. However, these are very real situations that people go through. We should not be shy about talking about this kind of stuff. Some people are willing to help one another if you just give them the opportunity to do it. 

Work cited :)

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/facts-statistics-infographic