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Depression is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated.
Depression is like a low point in life that doesn’t go away. It can keep you awake, make you physically sick, give you hot flashes, chills or make you sweat in your sleep. It can make you doubt the very essence of all those things that you once loved.
It is like a dark day that doesn’t clear.
Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than
the usual, everydays up and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other
symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical
depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical
health and appearance, academic performance and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
Depression is likely caused by biological and anatomical factors
that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing a depressive disorder. Depression can run in families. But life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
Is it serious?
Yes, depression can be very serious! Some of us experience only one depressive episode in our lives, while others experience several recurrences.
Some depressive episodes begin with no apparent reason, while others are associated with a life situation or stress.
Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest
daily activities like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.
Depression can be treated! Between 80 and 90 percent of people
with depression - even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms
can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or often
a combination of both. The most important step towards treating depression
- and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help!
Teens and adults share a problem - they often fail to recognize
the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.
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There are numerous causes and numerous degrees of depression. If you are feeling constantly blue or feel like you are down a lot, you should seek help.
Depression can also be brought on by things that are within your control,
like your diet, lack of exercise and lack of sleep. Modifying these factors
can help. In some instances, medication is required to help rebalance your
body’s chemistry, as something may be out of wack that is causing your
brain to respond in a depressive manner.
What is Depression?
A friend expresses feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness, or worthlessness.
A friend seems:
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unable to make decisions
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unable to concentrate and remember
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to have lost interest or please in ordinary activities-like sports, band, talking on the telephone
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to have more problems with school and family.
A friend complains of:
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loss of energy and drive - they seem to have "slowed down"
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trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting up
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appetite problems, and they are losing or gaining weight
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headaches, stomach aches or backaches
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chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles
A friend's behavior has suddenly changed so that:
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they are restless or more irritable
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they want to be alone most of the time
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they have started cutting classes or dropped hobbies and activities
A friend has talked about:
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death
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suicide
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attempted suicide
Symptoms:
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Missed school or poor school performance
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Changes in eating and sleeping habits
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Withdrawl from friends and activities once enjoyed
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Persistant sadness and hopelessness
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Problems with authority
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Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
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Poor self-esteem or guilt
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Overraction to criticism
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Frequent physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
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Anger and rage
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Lack of enthusiasm, low energy, or motivation
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Drug and/or alcohol abuse
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Thoughts of death or suicide
Depressed teens who exhibit symptoms such as insomnia, panic attacks,
and delusions or hallucinations, are at particular risk for suicide.
Myth:
Teens don’t suffer from "real" depression.
Fact:
Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic or economic group.
Myth:
Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves
together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.
Fact:
Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both teens and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist
or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves,
change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychological therapy and medications is beneficial.
Myth:
Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact:
Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help. By sharing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you
can encourage your friend to talk to his or her parents, or another trusted adult, like a teacher or coach, about getting treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask or help, you can talk to an adult - that’s what a real friend will do!
Myth:
People who talk about suicide don’t commit suicide.
Fact:
WRONG! Unfortunately, I know this not to be true from personal experience. ALWAYS TAKE A COMMENT ABOUT SUICIDE/DEATH AS A CRY FOR HELP! DON’T EVER
TAKE IT AS JUST TALK! Many people who commit suicide have given warnings
to friends and family. A signal or warning may be a statement such as "I wish I were dead," "I can’t take this anymore; I want out," or "My parents would be better off without me." Some people even tell a friend about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend talks like this, take it seriously! Immediately make a responsible adult aware of what your friend has said. IMMEDIATELY AND ALWAYS! Better your friend should be mad at you for telling, then they should end up dead!
Myth:
Telling an adult that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact:
Depression, which zaps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. And many parents may not understand the seriousness of depression or thoughts of death or suicide. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a school guidance counselor, a favorite teacher, you own parents, or another trusted adult. If the first adult you talk to doesn’t help or "blows you off," talk to another. As adults, as human beings, we all have things going on in our lives
that distract us from time to time. We might not understand the seriousness
of what you are telling us the first time. Tell us again, and again, until we listen and until we do something to help.
What Can I Do to Help?
Negative thinking, inappropriate behavior, or physical changes need to be reversed as quickly as possible.
If a friend shows many symptoms of depression, you can listen and encourage him or her to ask a parent or teacher about treatment.
If your friend doesn’t seek help quickly, talk to an adult you trust and respect - especially if your friend mentions death or suicide!
- Adapted from Depression: Define It. Defeat It. This site is no longer online, but is linked here through Internet Archive.
http://www.hoptechno.com/book34.htm
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If you suffer any one or a combination of these factors,
then you should seek help from your doctor, school counselor,
or another adult that you trust.
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