Let's Talk About Adolescent Depression
Everyone feels blue now and then, but if you are sad most of the time and if it's causing you problems with your grades or attendance at school, your relationships with your family and friends, or with alcohol, sex or drugs - if your mood is controlling your behavior - the problem may be DEPRESSION.
The good news is that you can get treatment and feel better soon. Clinical Depression is a serious illness that can affect anyone, including teenagers. Approximately 4% of adolescents get seriously depressed each year. It can affect one's thoughts, feelings, behavior and overall general health.
Most people with depression can be helped with treatment. Unfortunately, a majority of depressed people never get the help that they need, and when depression isn't treated, it can get worse, last longer, and prevent you from getting the most out of this important time in your life. (National Institute of Mental Health)
There are two kinds of depressive illness. One is the sad kind called major depression. The other is manic depression or bipolar disorder, when feeling down and depressed alternates with being speeded-up and sometimes recklessness.
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Here's how to tell if you or a friend might be more than "down in the dumps or blue".
You should be evaluated by a professional if you have had five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, or if any of these symptoms cause such a big change that you can't keep up your usual routine.
* You feel said or cry a lot and it doesn't go away.
* You feel guilty for no reason; you feel like you're no good; you've lost your confidence.
* Life seems meaningless or like nothing good is ever to happen again.
* You have a negative attitude a lot of the time, or it seems like you have no feelings.
* You don't feel like doing a lot of things you used to like , forexample playing music, doing sports, being with friends, or going out, and you want to be left alone most of the time.
* Your sleep pattern changes; you start sleeping a lot or you have trouble falling asleep
*It's hard to make up your mind. You forget a lot of things, and it's hard to concentrate.
*You get irritated often. Little things make you lose your temper; you over-react.
*Your eating patterns change; you've lost your appetite or eat a lot more.
*You feel restless most of the time.
*You think about death, or feel like you're dying, or have thoughts about committing suicide.
When You're Manic
*You feel as high as a kite like you're on top of the world.
*You get unreal ideas about the great things you can do, things you really can't do.
*Thoughts go racing through your head, you jump from one subject to another, and you talk a lot.
*You're a nonstop partier, constantly running around.
*You do too many wild or risky things when driving, spending money, or having sex, etc.
*You're so "up" that you don't need much sleep.
*You're so rebellious or irritable that you can't get along at home or school, or with your friends.
WHY DO PEOPLE GET DEPRESSED
Sometimes people get seriously depressed because of a divorce in the family, financial problems, getting into trouble with school or grades, problems with family and friends, drugs, and alcohol.
Sometimes people get depressed after breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or after the death of a loved one. Sometimes depression results from a messed up home life or rejection from friends.
Depression can affect people of any age, ethnic, or economic group. Seek Help. Having depression does not mean that a person is weak or a failure or that they aren't really trying. It means they need treatment.
How common is clinical depression?
One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode of occurrence of depression during their lifetime. Depression affects people of all ages. Approximately 3 – 5 % of the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. That means among 25 friends, one could be clinically depressed.
Is it Serious?
Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness. In the past 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers has increased dramatically. Suicide is often linked to depression.
Why don't People get Help?
Teenagers often do not know they are depressed; they don't ask for help or get the right help. Teenagers often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in other people.
Talk to Someone
 If you are concerned that you or a friend might be experiencing depression, TALK TO SOMEONE about it. There are people who can help you get treatment. For example, reach out to:
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WHEN A FRIEND IS DEPRESSED: WHAT TO DO?
You know that the high school years can be complicated and demanding. Deep down you are not sure of who you are, what you want to be, or whether the choices you make from day to day are the best decisions.
Sometimes, the many changes and pressures you are facing threaten to overwhelm you. So, it isn't surprising that from time to time you or one of your friends feels "down" or discouraged.
But what about those times when a friend's activity and outlook on life stay "down" for weeks and begin to affect your relationship? Your friend might be suffering from depression. As a friend you can help.
Most people with depression can be helped with psychotherapy, medicine, or both. Reach out to someone.
Remember, you are not alone; there is help out there.
If you know someone who is depressed you can help.
Listen and encourage your friend to seek out a responsible adult and get treatment.
