Depression can happen to anyone.
It doesnt mean you are weak or crazy. Some people have depression for a long time, when others have depression for shorter periods of time. Depression can be treated-the sooner the better!
Seek support. Ask a responsible friend, adult, teacher or counselor to help you connect with a mental health professional. Without proper support from a professional, depression may increase to thoughts of suicide. The good news is depression can be treated. Having supportive friends and family can also help you feel better. Over 90 percent of people who seek professional help if they they feel suicidal do not attempt suicide.
Am I depressed?
Look over the list below to see if any statements apply to you.
- I often feel anxious or sad.
- I feel guilty or worthless.
- I am irritable and lose control easily.
- I am less hungry than usual.
- I don’t enjoy doing things that used to make me happy.
- I don’t have much energy to get through the day.
- I sleep much more or much less than normal.
- I find it hard to concentrate.
- I have been loud and had emotional outbursts.
- I have been skipping school or other activities.
- I have headaches and body aches.
- I drink alcohol and do drugs to make me feel more “normal.”
- I don’t have much hope for the future.
- I feel like my life will never get better.
- I think about death or hurting myself.
If four or more apply to you — and you’ve felt this way for more than two weeks — you may be experiencing a depression disorder. Find help here
Causes of depression
Some of the most common causes of depression are:
Change
A major life change or loss, such as a death, move, breakup or illness, may cause depression. Each person recovers from life changes like these at a different rate, and sometimes people need extra support to start to feel better.
Genes
Some types of depression can run in your family. Your body’s genes are the blueprints for who you are and how you react to stress.
Brain chemistry
When brain chemicals are not at the proper levels, it can cause depression. Scientists can actually see the difference between a depressed brain and a healthy one.
Three types of depression
Getting properly diagnosed is very important in treating depression. Getting a second opinion is okay, too!
Major depressive disorder
Major depression is when a person has five or more symptoms of depression for at least two weeks. These symptoms include: feeling sad, hopeless, worthless and pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression have behavior changes, and new eating and sleeping patterns. Depression can also appear as anger and discouragement, rather than as feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Symptoms may be based on feelings of guilt, inadequacy or disease.
Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness)
Bipolar disorder involves periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression. The “mood swings” between mania and depression can be very abrupt. The depressed phase of bipolar disorder involves very serious symptoms of major depression. There is a high risk of suicide with bipolar disorder. While in either phase, patients may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the symptoms.
Dysthymic disorder (less severe than major depression)
Dysthymia is a chronic type of depression in which a person’s moods are regularly low. However, it is not as extreme as other types of depression. The main symptom of dysthymia is low, dark or sad mood nearly every day for at least two years. Dysthymia can occur alone or together with more severe depression or another mood or psychiatric disorder.
Resource: www.medlineplus.gov
How does treatment work?
Depression is treatable-the sooner the better.
Some common treatments include:
- Talk therapy can help teach you better ways to handle your problems. In most cases, talk therapy has proven effective in treating depression.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change your negative thinking and behaviors.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on your relationships with others and works to make them more positive.
- Antidepressant medications are non-addicting and may help you feel better. Pay close attention to what your doctor says about how to use these medications safely.