“DEPRESSION”

dɪˈprɛʃ(ə)n/
noun
1. 1.
feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
"self-doubt creeps in and that swiftly turns to depression"

Introduction
Being a teenager can be tough. There are changes taking place in your body and
brain that can affect how you learn, think, and behave. And if you are facing
tough or stressful situations, it is normal to have emotional ups and downs.

But if you have been overwhelmingly sad for a long time and you’re not able to
concentrate or do the things you usually enjoy, you may want to talk to a trusted
adult about depression.

What Is Depression?
Depression is a medical illness that can interfere with your ability to handle your
daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or managing your school work.
Depression is common but that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. Treatment may be
needed for someone to feel better. Depression can happen at any age, but often
symptoms begin in the teens or early 20s or 30s. It can occur along with other
mental disorders, substance abuse, and other health conditions .

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

Sadness is something we all experience. It is a normal reaction to a loss or a
setback, but it usually passes with a little time. Depression is different.

If you are wondering if you may have depression, ask yourself these questions:

 Do you constantly feel sad, anxious, or even “empty,” like you feel
nothing?
 Do you feel hopeless or like everything is going wrong?

 Do you feel like you’re worthless or helpless? Do you feel guilty about
things
Teen depression facts

 Depression that extends beyond sadness to the point of illness is that

which interferes with the sufferer's ability to function.

 Depression affects about 20% of adolescents by the time they become

adults.

 Teenage depression does not have one single definitive cause but rather

several psychological, biological, and environmental risk factors.

 General depression symptoms include having an irritable

or depressed mood for more than two weeks and having at least five

clinical symptoms and signs.

 Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth 10-24 years of

age in the United States.

Ask for help and support

Weak or you can’t change! The key to depression recovery is to start small and
ask for help. The simple act of talking to someone face to face about how you
feel can be an enormous help. The person you talk to doesn’t have to be able to
fix you; he or she just needs to be a good listener. Having a strong support
system will speed your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to
others, even if you feel like being alone or don’t want to feel like a burden to
others. The truth is that most people will be happy that you chose to confide in
them; they’ll be flattered that you trust them enough to open up. So, let your
family and friends know what you’re going through and how they can support
you.
*REMEMBER DEPRESSION IS NOT A JOKE NOR SOME RANDOM
GAMES*