WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you think, feel and behave, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

If you feel like you suffer from depression please know that you are not alone.

There are ways you can feel better.

If you have been feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable for what seems like a long time, you might have depression.

• Depression is a real, treatable brain illness, or health problem.
• Depression can be caused by big transitions in life, stress, or changes in your body’s chemicals that affect your thoughts and moods.
• Even if you feel hopeless, depression gets better with treatment.
• There are lots of people who understand and want to help you.
• Ask for help as early as you can so you can get back to being yourself.

(hyperbole and a half)

(hyperbole and a half)

Regular sadness

Feeling moody, sad, or grouchy? Who doesn’t once in a while? It’s easy to have a couple of bad days. Your schoolwork, activities, and family and friend drama, all mixed with not enough sleep, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, teen hormones can be all over the place and also make you moody or cry about the smallest thing. Regular moodiness and sadness usually go away quickly though, within a couple of days.

Depression

Untreated depression is a more intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and anger or frustration that lasts much longer, such as for weeks, months, or longer. These feelings make it hard for you to function as you normally would or participate in your usual activities. You may also have trouble focusing and feel like you have little to no motivation or energy. You may not even feel like seeing your best friends. Depression can make you feel like it is hard to enjoy life or even get through the day.

(hyperbole and a half)

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• Feelings of sadness or emptiness Inability to experience pleasure — even from activities that you used to enjoy
• Feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless
• Isolating from others
• Physical ailments
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability
• Indecisiveness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors

 recommended