Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is a common mental illness resulting in prolonged bad moods, disinterest in previously enjoyed hobbies, and other detrimental side effects that affect one’s livelihood for an extended period. The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of depression are as follows:
It’s no accident that five or more of the symptoms listed above need to be present during diagnosis consultations. Major Depressive Disorder and its subsequent treatments can have long-lasting effects and the casual self-diagnosis of depression is dangerous, not only in the person withholding from diagnosis but also if the person is trivializing depression and using it as a cute, quirky aspect of their “personality.” The truth is, depression is nothing to joke about. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “[d]epression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year[, and] one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life.” The feelings induced by depression are far worse than everyday sadness or grief. Oftentimes, a person will feel intense worthlessness, helplessness, and/or seemingly unrelinquishing sadness. Depression may even cause suicidal thoughts and possibly suicidal actions. With the growing use of joking about “being depressed” or “getting depressed,” it is important to remember that mental illnesses are not and should not be the subject matter of jokes that oftentimes come off as insensitive, demeaning, and invalidating to those truly suffering. If someone confides in you and admits they are suffering from depression, here are a few things you could say to show that you care about and support them:
Here are some things NOT to say, and why:
By recognizing depression’s hallmarks and knowing how to respond to someone’s confession of suffering, you will be able to handle the situation calmly, provide support, and help better someone’s life. If you or a loved one are suffering from depression, call any of the numbers provided below. Please know that you are not alone in this and that you are loved and valid. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) Trevor Project Lifeline – Hotline for LGBT youth: 866-488-7386 SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) by Kaitlyn Thitibordin Co-Founder & Creative Director
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Bipolar disorder, which is formally known as manic depression is a condition that causes those with it to experience extreme highs, which may be seen as a state of mania, as well as extreme lows, which is seen in the form of depression. Though the condition only involves a mental issue, those with the disorder may experience social and practical issues that are hard to resolve. Though many of us consider ourselves sympathetic humans, it is easy to classify those with bipolar disorder as “crazy”, even if we keep this label to ourselves. Books, television shows, and movies always portray those with bipolar disorder as the insane character who cannot control themselves. When faced with a situation in which someone tells us they have bipolar disorder, some may immediately reply with something such as “Oh so you’re one of those people!” This kind of statement may not only trigger something within those with the disorder, but also helps to promote harmful stigma which will only lead to those with undiagnosed cases believing that they will not be accepted, and instead shunned for something that is not their fault. In order to help fight against the negative stigma, it is important to research further into the condition so that we as a community can work towards educating others. Many people with this disorder find that they are shut out by friends and family who believe that it would be too much of a hassle to try and help. Therefore, after reading this, you can continue to educate yourself on how we can all stop the spread of harmful mental stigma.
Jackie Kwan Writer Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that can cause degrees of hyperactive and hasty practices. Individuals with ADHD may experience difficulty concentrating on a solitary assignment or sitting still for extended periods. ADHD can affect both grown-ups and children. ADHD frequently starts in adolescence and can continue into adulthood. It might add to low confidence, relationships, and trouble at school or work. Although ADHD can't be cured, it can be effectively treated through medication and therapy and it may improve as the kid ages.
It is typical for children to experience difficulty centering their attention in one place. Children with ADHD don't simply develop out of these practices. The indications proceed, can be serious, and can cause trouble at school, at home, or with companions. A kid with ADHD may often be daydreaming, disregard or lose things often, fidgeting or squirm, talk excessively, experience difficulty alternating, and have difficulty getting along with others. ADHD is divided into three categories depending on which symptoms are strongest in an individual. The first one is the inattentive type. It is difficult for the person to be organized, finish their assignment, to focus on details, or to adhere to directions or discussions. The individual is easily distracted and tends to forget their everyday activities. The second type is the hyperactive-impulsive type. The individual frequently squirms and fidgets. It is difficult for them to sit still for long (e.g., for a supper or while doing schoolwork). Children may run, hop or climb continually. The individual feels fretful and experiences difficulty with impulsivity. Somebody who is impulsive may intrude on others a great deal, or talk on wrong occasions. It is difficult for the individual to stand by or tune in to bearings. An individual with hastiness may have a greater number of injuries and wounds than others. The third type is the combined type. It is the most common of all and is a combination of symptoms of the first and second types. Researchers are contemplating causes and factors with an end goal to discover better approaches to oversee and diminish the odds of an individual having ADHD. The cause(s) and hazard factors for ADHD are obscure, however research shows that genes play a significant role. Researchers are contemplating other potential causes and hazard factors including cerebrum injury, exposure to environmental factors (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a youthful age, liquor and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature labor, and a low birth rate. The majority of the time, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and a medical prescription. What works best can rely upon the child and family. Treatment plans will incorporate close checking, subsequent meet-ups, and making changes. Being healthy is important for all children and can be particularly significant for kids with ADHD. Having a solid way of life can make it simpler for your kid to manage ADHD side effects. Here are some solid practices that may help: creating good diet, for example, eating a lot of natural products, vegetables, and entire grains and picking lean protein sources, participating in physical activity, restricting screen time, and getting the suggested measure of rest every night. If you or your primary care physician has worries about ADHD, you can take your child to a child psychologist or development pediatrician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the National Resource Center on ADHD, a program CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their site has connections to data for individuals with ADHD and their families. https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/ Ashley Lu Co-Founder & Chief Editor Now more than ever do people have the time to catch up on their to-read list. I was originally about to compile a list of easy reads and inspirational novels, but considering the pressing issues regarding race, sexuality, and equality in America, we at Project Angel Island felt it necessary to suggest a few books that are both educational and relevant to current events.
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi Kendi’s nonfiction book is an informative work that discusses the roots of racism, racism through the ages, and the actions one can take to be actively anti-racist. Intermingled with contemporary history and personal anecdotes, How to Be an Anti-Racist is a moving and compelling book that masterfully blurs the line between facts and feelings, demonstrating the need for emotion and fact to go hand in hand in the formation of laws and the betterment of humanity. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Hate U Give is a novel written by Angie Thomas about a young Black girl named Starr. It discusses the impact of white privilege, microaggressions against people of color, protest, prejudice, economic divisions on the basis of race, and police brutality, to name a few. The Hate U Give is a great book for younger readers to indulge in, as the pop-culture references and the mannerisms that Starr and her family have are easily relatable and set the story in the present time while simultaneously tackling the harder subject topics listed above and more. The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty are Used Against Women by Naomi Wolf We have all heard people say things like “She aged so well!” Naomi Wolf’s book The Beauty Myth argues why this social mentality, that women automatically lose some countenance value as they age, and more misogynistic mentalities are damaging to all women. The Beauty Myth discusses internal misogyny, self value, and social control placed upon women. In these ways, Wolf discusses how modern societal standards are just as restrictive as the traditional roles of being a housewife or homemaker. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie In her humorous and quick-witted book We Should All Be Feminists, Adichie answers the question: What does feminism mean today? Filled with personal accounts as a Black woman alongside factual arguments, Adichie writes about the marginalization of women and how it is not only detrimental to females – it is a detriment to men too. This book drives home the concept that female rights are not exclusive to women; they are human rights that everyone deserves. The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle by Lillian Faderman In The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle, Faderman writes about the ongoing struggle for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1950s. As supplements to the stories of protests in the 60s, counter reactions in the 70s and 80s, and the AIDS epidemic that stigmatized the community, Faderman provides interviews with then-current politicians, public figures, and members of the LGBTQ+ community at the time to provide firsthand accounts of the environment at the time. In her book, Faderman demonstrates how the fight for equality in the LGBTQ+ community is far from over. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli In her debut novel, Albertalli writes about Simon, a gay boy who has yet to come out. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a coming-of-age story about self truth and acceptance of oneself, despite one’s flaws and quirks. Simon struggles with the perceptions of his peers and the stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, and his growing feelings for someone he believes is unattainable. This is a good book for younger readers who crave relatable yet moving stories with LGBTQ+ characters. Generation Z: A Century in the Making by Corey Seemiller It’s safe to say that Gen Z is one of the most criticized generations by older generations yet. From its fluency with technology to its constant documentation of current events via social media, Generation Z has gotten a lot of flack. Seemiller’s book dives into the influences that shaped Gen Z’s attitudes, beliefs, aspirations, and motivations from both a historical and scientific perspectives. But Generation Z: A Century in the Making is not only an analysis of today’s youth; it serves as an inspirational prophecy of what is to come in the future thanks to the legacy of Generation Z. it’s a gen z thing by Kaitlyn Thitibordin Our last book on this list is one that I wrote. I wrote this book to show older generations how the stereotypes placed upon Generation Z by them are both wrong and hurtful. As a part of Gen Z, I know that we are more than others make us out to be. We are strong, resourceful, and competitive, not weak, lazy, and apathetic. I compiled a group of true stories of my peers to show the depths in which Gen Z can go. by Kaitlyn Thitibordin Co-Founder & Creative Director Have you ever walked down the aisle at your local drugstore and seen a slew of products marketed exclusively “for women”? These products usually range from razors and shampoo to earplugs and toothbrushes and are often marked at much higher prices than generic or men’s products without reasonable cause. “Women’s” laxatives and personal care kits, despite having the same contents as “men’s” products, are often sold at prices up to 103% more than their generic value*. The result? The common American woman ends up paying about $1,351 more a year for basic products and services, solely due to her gender. Considering that women earn on average 80 cents for every dollar that a man makes, this disparity is even more unfair. What’s worse is that this problem is evident not only in the United States but all over the world. In France, the pink tax is called “la taxe rose,” and statistics pertaining to it are the same, if not worse than in the United States. Twitter user Anne-Sophie (@anneso) tweeted [translation], “Did you know? The absence of a penis in little girls makes haircuts more difficult since birth, and it is for this reason that haircuts are 40% more expensive #taxerose”, to which user Pépite Sexiste (@pepitesexiste) replied, “Girls’ shampoo is surely made with unicorn milk, that’s why #taxerose #cqfd”. So how do you avoid and stop the pink tax? The first and most obvious way is to shift to more gender-neutral or even men’s products, especially if the contents of the product are the same (which is usually the case). Something else you can do, especially when online shopping, is research the brands you decide to buy from and make informed decisions. “While companies have no incentives to eliminate the pink tax, female consumers have the power of choosing where and at what price they shop, whether it relates to buying a car, getting a mortgage or that next haircut,” says Roi Tavor, CEO of Nummo, a personal financial management platform, and budgeting app. “Only when vendors feel the 'pinch' will meaningful price reductions occur.” Researching will also help you support companies that are taking a stand. European Wax Center, for example, has launched an extensive campaign called #AxThePinkTax.** Speak out on social media and participate in protests, and don’t forget to support legislation that aims to abolish the pink tax. Contact your local government representatives and be persistent when doing so. If we don’t act now, we’re going to end up paying tens of thousands of dollars to the benefit of misogynistic businesses. We shouldn’t owe anything to anyone just for being women. *For a visual representation of the pink tax, check out this article **Support European Wax Center’s campaign at axthepinktax.com Find some more absurd cases of the pink tax here Himani Mehta Writer What is Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an unofficial holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. In light of the murder of George Floyd, the pressure of making Juneteenth a national holiday rises. Also, the pressure to take down confederate statues and police reform go hand in hand with the pressure in recognizing Juneteenth as an official federal holiday. Why is Juneteenth important? Juneteenth represents a turning point in history for the United States. It represents freedom for black people and how black people's rights have always been delayed in the US. It is more important than ever to celebrate Juneteenth as recent events show that racial inequality still exists in the United States and to deny or ignore these societal issues would be ignoring an entire section of US history. The decades after the end of the war would see a wave of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws take root. It wouldn't be until 1964, 100 years after the civil war, segregation would end in the United States. The disproportionate impact of mass incarceration, discriminatory housing policies, and a lack of economic investment followed. These impacts still affect black people to this day. Texas & Slavery Although Juneteenth has been informally celebrated each year since 1865, it wasn't until June 3, 1979, that Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." -General Granger Today, Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia mark June 19 as a state holiday or observance. Despite a push by activists over the years -- Juneteenth still is not declared a federal holiday. And, throughout its history, it has often been overlooked by non-black Americans. How to celebrate Throughout history, many people have celebrated Juneteenth with festivities like parties, picnics, and gatherings with loved ones. This Juneteenth, we can all do our part in educating ourselves on systemic racism in the United States, and push for progress. We can learn about black culture and/ or inform ourselves by keeping up with current events and speak up when we see injustice. Iris Fan Co-Founder & Brand Manager
In my generation, mental health is an issue that has just begun to be explored. Although every generation sees spouts of mental disorder, Generation Z has statistically shown the highest levels of mental disorder out of any generation. According to the CDC, the suicide rate for people ages 10-24 increased by 56% between 2007 and 2017. Though there are many new methods in which adolescents can seek therapy, one thing blocks many of the inflicted. The mental health stigmatization brought upon them by their parents. For many Asian teens, “mental health days” are an excuse used to skip school according to their parents. Even if something truly was mentally wrong with their child, Asian parents tend to shrug off their children's problems, calling them delusional or “just sad”. In many cases, teens find it hard to explain to their parents the struggles that they are facing, especially in the case of a language barrier. Even if parents understand what their child is facing, they may begin to see the issue as something the child brought upon themselves as opposed to something that is simply unexplainable to those who are not medically trained. In Chinese culture, depression or other mental disorders may be “treated” using herbal medicine/acupuncture instead of therapy. In Japanese and Korean culture, the solution to mental disorders is to completely ignore them and deny that they exist instead of speaking to a professional about the issues. In Vietnamese culture, some families may go as far as to hire an exorcist before going and seeking someone who could help. For those with mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, et cetera, a quote by Emma Stone is the best message to keep in mind. “What I would tell kids going through anxiety, which I have and can relate to, is that you're so normal. Everyone experiences a version of anxiety or worry in their lives, and maybe we go through it in a different or more intense way for longer periods of time, but there's nothing wrong with you...Don't ever feel like you're a weirdo for it because we're all weirdos.”
Jackie Kwan Writer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoY_is3Oze4
June is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD is an uneasiness disorder that a few people develop subsequent to seeing or living through an occasion that caused or undermined genuine damage or passing. PTSD may bring about nightmares, heightened reactions, fractiousness, outrage, repetitive dreams about the occasion, and disconnection. A few people may recoup a couple of months after the occasion, however for other people, it might take years. For a few, PTSD may start long after the occasions happen. In any case, PTSD can be dealt with. Here are some strategies that you can implement with people suffering from PTSD.
Ashley Lu Co-Founder & Executive Editor It’s finally June! What does that mean? School’s out, but more importantly, it’s Pride Month! June was named as the official LGBTQ+ Pride Month to commemorate the June 1969 Stonewall riots in Lower Manhattan that led to the gay liberation movement and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. as we know it. Although it’s important to recognize our LGBTQ+ peers, it’s even more important to understand their struggles in society and identify ways to support them. From my personal experience, here are five essential steps you can take to become a better ally.
Himani Mehta Writer Recently, I had the honor to interview Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, an amazing Latino artist specializing in large-scale pieces and eco-friendly art mediums. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rodriguez-Gerada has created a memorial piece the size of a parking lot in Corona Park, Queens. The land art piece commemorates the late Dr. Decoo, a Latino physician who lost his life fighting the pandemic in New York City, and doctors on a global scale who are putting their lives at stake to combat the virus that has taken over all of our lives. The following is a transcription of the interview I conducted with Rodriguez-Gerada: - To start out, what medium are you using for this piece? I’m using household masonry paint, which is cool because they have a version that is very flat, so you get very little reflection, so the colors are still visible even in high sunlight. If I were to use satin or semi-gloss, the whole thing would be washed out. We needed that specific type of paint and actually sold out four Home Depots. Can you speak about what this piece means to you? This piece is a homage, and there’s a number of factors to that. One of them is that I chose [Dr. Decoo] specifically from all of the possible protagonists because he was actually about to retire… and he decided to go back [to work to fight Covid-19], and he lost his life. And that’s a whole other level because not everyone would make that same decision. He was a hero. The second thing is, the reason why it’s here in Queens is because this is one of the epicenters and it’s also one of the places where it’s really disproportionately affecting Latinos. We also wanted to talk about that and the reasons behind that. [We wanted to] talk about all of the minorities that are more affected by [Covid-19] because they’re in jobs that put them in more jeopardy. They’re the ones that run the transit system, they’re the ones that take care at senior residencies, they’re the nurses, the doctors. So, it’s a way to talk about the larger picture because statistics are an awful thing. People hear numbers like twenty-thousand, forty-thousand, hundred-thousand, but they don’t stop to think that each one of those numbers that make that sum is a family member that is lost and families that are grieving. There’s also the fact that there is no place to mourn. What’s happened is that, under [the U.S.] administration, there’s more racial division than ever before, even to the point where white supremacy and neo-nazis are almost normalized, and no one is creating places for groups of people to come together and mourn in this time of crisis. So we’ve got to take it upon ourselves. Lastly, is there anything you would want our readers to know or to take away from this piece? To know that those that are affected that may not be like you, and that you might feel distant from or not have as much empathy as would be nice to have, laugh the same way. Cry the same way. Enjoy the world the same way. And the sense of loss is just as strong. And really, this piece is to bring home a point that we are all part of the human race. - We at Project Angel Island would like to thank Mr. Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada for his time answering these questions for our interview. If you would like to see the Somos La Luz Memorial, visit the parking lot next to the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. If you'd like to see more of Rodriguez-Gerada's works, follow him on Instagram @gerada_art Kaitlyn Thitibordin Co-Founder & Creative Director |