Depression is more than feeling sad or down in the dumps occasionally. It is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer.
Some of the symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Loss of interest in old hobbies
- Weight gain or loss
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Anger and irritability
- Insomnia (not sleeping enough) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
- Extreme fatigue and loss of energy
- Withdrawal from certain people – but not everyone
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Frequent crying
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm – for example: cutting, burning, or other acting-out behaviors
- Poor academic performance
- Lack of concentration
- Thoughts of death and suicide
Depression Risk Factors:
- Dealing with issues that negatively affect self-esteem such as peer problems, long-term bullying, or academic problems
- Having experienced recent stressful life events such as parental divorce, parental military services, or death of a loved one
- Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender in an unsupportive environment
- Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder or alcohol use problems
How can I manage my feelings?
- Maintain relationships with your family and friends, and talk to them about your feelings
- Seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out – teachers, coaches, and doctors can help you
- Schedule an appointment for you to talk with a therapist
- Stay social – even when you really do not want to, getting out of the house with friends will be helpful
- Do not hang out with friends who aren’t making good choices – friends who are drinking, doing drugs, or skipping school are not the people who will make you feel better
- Physical exercise and a nutritious diet – exercising releases endorphins, which naturally lower stress, improve your mood and enhance your overall well-being
- Avoid drinking and drugs
What can I do to help a depressed friend?
- Talk to your friend – say you notice they are not acting like themselves and ask how you can help
- Be a good listener and do not judge
- Encourage them to talk to an adult
- Maintain the friendship even during the tough times that will follow
- If you suspect your friend is suicidal, tell an adult immediately
(references: KidsHealth, Suicide Prevention Research Center, Mental Health America, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic)