DEPRESSION LITERACY

Understanding manifestations, repercussions and alternatives to overcome depression

Depression Literacy is a platform aligned on humanitarian values and altruistic solidarity, aiming to help people who experience depressive symptoms, in a short- or long-term basis. The current website was conceived as an educative and interactive program, providing tools that empower people in the self-management of their mental health. The content is informative and evidence-based, developed by the author of this project who has academic degrees and professional background in health, health sciences and psychology. Mental health issues, including depression, are frequently seen in a derogatory way, by society, leading people to ignore the symptoms and hide their suffering. However, deepening knowledge about depression and the consequences it entails, as well as the strategies that have proven to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms, might contribute to avoid the onset or aggravation of this problem. The Depression Literacy initiative also intends to deconstruct myths and stigmas surrounding depression, highlighting alternative ways of reasoning embedded of accurate scientific meaning in the understanding of this phenomenon, more often than not misinterpreted by society. It is believed that social stigmatization severely harms mental health, preventing the identification of these mental health problems, as well as help-seeking behaviours regarding reliable information and professional assistance.

In this website you can expand your knowledge on depression, encompassing available resources in this matter, in an anonymous, confidential and free of charge way, without the need of sharing with other people your personal situation. There are diverse alternatives of minimizing the deleterious effects of depression that individuals can develop autonomously, contributing to their wellbeing. With no means of substituting conventional therapies, this program fosters the empowerment of people in the improvement of their mental health, regardless of whether or not they are receiving treatment for depression. The information provided here could help taking informed decisions, including the choice of available therapies and adaptation of lifestyles. Please note that many people experience depressive symptoms around the world. We are here to soften emotional suffering, creating supportive networks, while strengthening the foundations of a fraternal, caring and healthy society.

FEATURED CONTENTs

Maps of
depression
in the world

Air pollution impact in California

Social media
and
mental health

If you wish to support our cause and help us making this project available for more people and populations in need, we welcome your contribution.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ana Rodriguez is the author of the depression literacy project, as well as the contents of this website.

The author holds an international PhD in Health Sciences, awarded with Cum Laude distinction, along with academic education in Psychology. Her professional and scientific background entails many years of experience within healthcare settings, which allowed the development of skills in the understanding of mental health issues and the suffering it causes for those affected by these challenges.