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Depression
How do I know I am suffering from depression?
- You feel sad or cry a lot without reason.
- Life seems useless or like no good is ever going to happen again.
- You have a negative attitude most of the time.
- You don't feel like doing things you used to like - music, being with friends, going out - you want to be aloof most of the time.
- Small things make you irritated, lose temper.
- Your sleep pattern changes; you start sleeping a lot more or you have trouble falling asleep at night
- Your eating habits change.
- You think about death, have thoughts about committing suicide.
- A downward trend in academic performance.
- Destructive and defiant behaviour
What to do in such a situation?
The best way out is talk to someone, who you think might be of help. There are many people you can talk to:
- a psychologist
- your friend
- your parents, or a close family member
- your family doctor
- even an unknown person who is ready to listen to you.
How common is depression in teens?
- Approximately 5% of teens are depressed at any one time.
- Approximately 20% of teens will definitely experience depression before they turn 18.
Why is depression a serious problem with teenagers?
- Depression can interfere with school performance and conduct.
- It can hamper your inter-personal relationships.
- Depression can increase the risk of alcohol and drug abuse.
- Depression can increase the risk of suicide.
Check out if you are prone to depression-
- Depression can be hereditary, but not necessarily.
- Having depression in the past increases the chances of having depression again.
- Exposure to chronic illness or serious stress increases risk of depression.
Can depression be treated?
- Yes, depression can be treated.
- About 60% of teens treated for depression get better.
- Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression in teens.
How can a depressed teen be made to feel better?
- Therapy helps many depressed adolescents to become more self aware and better able to cope with their problems. Often these problems have been under the surface for months or years, building the foundation for depression.
- A therapist can help you find out new ways to cope with the difficult things in your life, can help you see or think things from a different perspective.
- Other ways to combat depression is to improve your physical health by eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and avoiding junk food and caffeine, getting more rest, exercising regularly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
- Some teens may also benefit from taking an antidepressant, but only under medical prescription.
Studies show that that not only are adolescents becoming more depressed, they are responding to this depression by suiciding. The high rate of suicide may be due to the intense pressures felt by teenagers, coupled with a lack of life experiences.
If you feel you're under depression... TALK TO SOMEONE! IT WORKS!
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