Depression is more than feeling “blue" or feeling “blah" it is more than normal feelings of sadness.   When someone feels “down" or sad for more than a few weeks shows some other symptoms, the person might be clinically depressed.   Clinical depression is serious and it affects every part of the person and every part of their lives.   The person's feelings, behaviors, health, the way they look, and grades might start to change.  

When a person is depressed, it can be very hard for them to handle everyday things, make decisions, and handle pressures.   Depression is NOT a passing mood, and it is not a sign of weakness.   It is an illness that can be treated successfully by a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.   These are all people who have been trained to help people who are feeling this way.   Going to see one of them doesn't mean that you're crazy or that they're going to give you medicine and lock you up in a hospital, in fact that hardly ever happens.   What these people do is find the right way to help you feel better in the easiest way possible.  

If you suspect you or one of your friends might be depressed, the first step is to talk to an adult you trust.   It could be a teacher, a school counselor or social worker, or even the school nurse.   The point is that these people can help you or your friends get the help that you need.   Below are some of the signs of possible depression.   It is important to remember that in order to have depression, you must have three or more of these symptoms for most of the day every day for at least two weeks.   

Feelings. Do you or one of your friends experience:

• Sadness
• Emptiness
• Guilt
• Worthlessness
• Tearfulness and crying
• Not enjoying everyday pleasures
• Despair
• Low self-esteem
• Hostility

Thinking. Are you or any of your friends having a hard time:

• Concentrating
• Making decisions
• Completing School work
• Maintaining grades

Behavior. Are you or any of your friends:

• Restless
• Irritable
• Belligerent
• Not wanting to go to school
• Wanting to be alone most of the time
• Having difficulty getting along with others
• Cutting classes or skipping school
• Dropping out of sports, hobbies or activities
• Drinking or using drugs
• Talking about or attempting to run away from home

Physical Problems. Do you or any of your friends complain of:

• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Joint or backaches
• Lack of energy
• Sleeping problems (can't sleep or sleeps too much)
• Weight or appetite changes (gain or loss)

Suicide Risk. Do you or any of your friends think or talk about:

• Suicide
• Death
• Self-destructive behavior
• Other morbid subjects

If you or your friends are showing any of the signs listed above, it is important to get help as soon as possible! The first step is to talk to an adult that you trust- it could be a parent, older brother/sister, a teacher, school social worker or counselor, or your family doctor.   Also, here is a link you can click on for a list of places that can help you.

Is Depression Common? >>

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