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DEPRESSION

Depression is the most well known of these disorders, and perhaps the most prevalent (at least in media) in high school age teenagers. Approximately 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide, while only less than 35% receive treatment. Depression remains essentially the greatest cause of suicide in the country, and ends up being translated similarly, with approximately 9 in 100,000 teenagers dying of suicide every year. However, despite its prevalence in society, many people do not believe it exists- chalking it up to laziness and other unrelated reasons- adding to the stigma and fear many depressed people face. This stigma is the reason there are so many unreported cases of depression and anxiety, especially as the media tends to demonize those with mental health problems, leading to an overall sentiment of anger or fear towards those who express mental health problems. 

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So, keeping in mind that we've seen a lot of cliches on TV and movies, what is depression really? Dictionary definition: it's a mood disorder, characterized by a depressive mood and a loss of interest in activities. In reality, this is exactly what it is. It can be caused by trauma, biological predisposition, stress, and a plethora of other reasons, but the main thing to realize is that it is a genuine disorder, with genuine brain chemistry changes as a result While it sounds complicated at first, it just ends up being a little more complicated, considering that some people can show all symptoms, or none, or an amalgam of the signs that tend to characterize it. Nevertheless, there are definitely signs that can help you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or others. While these signs are accurate representations of potential signs of depression, they shouldn't be used to self-diagnose without another backup, only provide a guideline for knowing when to get help, and when to reach out.

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SIGNS

  • stark change in behavior

  • sleep disorders

    • insomnia

    • sleeping too much

  • apathy

  • low energy/constantly tired

    • inability to get out of bed or do anything​

  • withdrawal/isolation

  • eating disorders

    • binging/purging​

    • anorexia

  • mood swings

  • suicidal thoughts

  • panic attacks

    • sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking sensation,​ chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing your mind, fear of dying, feeling hot/cold, numbness, tingling, heart palpitations, dissociation

  • prolonged periods of sadness

SOLVES

  • CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)

    • essentially changes the mindse​t behind problematic behaviors

  • group therapy/peer therapy

  • professional consultation

  • regular sleeping and eating cycles

  • yoga/meditation/mindfulness

  • medication - antidepressants

  • strong support system

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While I say "solves", there's no actual easy solution. But depression is one of the easiest disorders to treat, which is why it's so saddening when so little people receive treatment. In this case, one of the above suggestions might work, all of them might work, or none of them might work- it all depends on the person and their particular brain chemistry. However, these are the treatments that have been known to work the most reliably. Things like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and regulation of eating and sleeping cycles aren't solutions. But they do help a person with depression to regulate their emotions, to mellow out, understand themselves, and get into the right headspace to help themselves.

 

For teens facing this - in themselves or others- it might be scary, but what you have to do for your friends and vice versa is to be there. Nothing ever works without the support of family and friends. And please talk to a professional, or at least an adult, whether it be a parent, teacher, or someone else. Most teenagers aren't exactly equipped to get themselves or others the help they need, which is why talking to an adult whom you feel safe around is so important.

 

For parents- keep in mind that depression is a real, medical condition. Please, just listen to your children when they talk to you, and keep an eye out. You might think they're being lazy, but in reality, it might feel like they physically can't get anything done. I know you want the best for your children, but in this case, mental health isn't a sign of parental failure. How you react to it might be. Trust your children, and give them the help they need.

 

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