Health Updates

Teens and Depression

"Nothing matters anymore. I don't care about my grades or my friends. I don't care what happens." "Sometimes I wish I could just disappear forever." "Everything is too much for me to handle right now. I can't take it."

Have you ever said or felt any of the above, for days or weeks at a time? Have you ever heard someone close to you say the same things? If so, it may be sign of depression.

Defining Depression

Depression is the most common serious psychiatric illness. It makes you feel sad and unhappy. It can also affect your schoolwork, damage family relationships, and lead to alcohol and drug abuse and trouble with the law. The types of depression range from mild to serious:

• Bad mood. These are feelings of frustration that are temporary and entirely normal.
• Mild depression. You feel sad, but you still enjoy spending time with family and friends and look forward to your favorite activities.
• Situational depression. This comes from a normal sadness over a loss or major life change, such as parents divorcing, the death of a family member or close friend, or breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend. Getting a low grade in school can also be a trigger.
• Major depression. This is a sadness that won't go away. Signs include trouble sleeping or waking up, loss of energy, big changes in appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Bipolar disorder. In this illness, the person experiences "highs" of energy that include overconfidence, less need to sleep, and reckless behavior (such as driving too fast). These are followed by periods of depression.

What Causes Depression?

Experts believe depression is caused by an imbalance in chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It can also be triggered by serious illness, certain medications, drug or alcohol abuse, and hormonal changes.

Clinical depression affects 10 million Americans each year. But millions of these people go on to lead normal, healthy lives with the proper treatment. This can involve medication, counseling, and support groups.

The Turbulent Teen Years

Teens in particular face new and constantly changing social pressures and responsibilities. These bring on feelings that may change depending on the situation. These changing feelings are called mood swings. But if a teen is constantly affected by these mood swings, it may be a sign of depression. About 1 in 10 teens will experience some form of depression or bipolar disorder. If a family member has depression, the risk is greater.

Depression can strike anyone, not just teens. People who develop severe depression and don't get help have a suicide rate of 15 percent. Depression is not contagious, however.

Just a Mood?

How do you find out whether what you're feeling—or what a friend is feeling—is just a mood or a sign of a depressive disorder? Answer the following questions:

• Do you feel sad, empty, guilty, worthless, or hopeless?
• Do you find it hard or impossible to make decisions or remember things? Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
• Are you having problems with family or in school?
• Do you feel "slowed down"? Are you having sleep problems, headaches, or stomachaches? Have you lost or gained a lot of weight?
• Has your behavior changed? Are you constantly restless or irritable? Do you want to be alone all the time? Have you cut classes or used drugs or alcohol?
• Do you think or talk about death or suicide? Have you attempted suicide?

Reaching Out

If you have or have had one or more of the above feelings for longer than two weeks, you may have depression or bipolar disorder. Get help right away. It may be hard to open up, but it's very important to tell another person what's on your mind.

Tell your parents what you are thinking and feeling. If you feel you can't talk to a parent, tell a teacher, counselor, religious leader, or another adult who you trust. Remember, you are not alone. You are also not to blame for your depression. Help is available.

A Friend in Need

If a friend or family member shows the above signs of depression, act quickly. Don't assume someone else is taking care of it.

• Let the person know you care. Tell her the depression isn't her fault.
• Encourage him to get professional help. This can come from a school counselor, social worker, religious leader, psychologist, or the person's regular doctor.
• Don't agree to keep the person's depression a secret. If she is suicidal, tell someone you trust immediately.
• Stand by your friend or family member. Tell him the treatment will be successful in time.

Just the Facts

1. Name two types of depression. Define each.
2. Why are teens particularly at risk for depression?

Beyond the Facts

3. A close friend has been absent from school several times over the past few weeks. She has stopped hanging around with you and your friends. She has said that everyone would be better off without her. Do you think your friend is depressed? What would you tell her?
4. You feel sad and hopeless for two days after getting a bad grade on an important test. Is this a bad mood or a sign of depression?

Applying the Facts

Many avenues of help and treatment are available for individuals suffering from depressive disorders. Using print or online resources, find the names and phone numbers of several places where teens can get help. These can include national hotlines and support organizations. Share your findings with your classmates.