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| Are You Depressed? |
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 Gosh, my feelings can be helped!
Depression is a common disorder that affects all different types of people. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you live, or what color you are.
Although depression affects different people in many of the same ways and for many of the same reasons, there is no single factor that makes
people become depressed. It is often a combination of possible causes
(like genetics, family problems, or drug abuse, for example) that leads to
depression.
So how can you tell the difference between depression and unhappy moods or the "blues"? And what warning signs can you look for in
yourself or someone you care about?
Everyone experiences ups and downs. These are a natural part of being human, and especially a part of being a teen in a world that may often
seem difficult or confusing. It's perfectly normal to feel sad or down from
time to time depending on what's going on in your life.
But your low feelings should not last for more than a few days, make you feel so badly that you lose interest in stuff you used to enjoy, or make
you feel like you are unable to do things the way you could before.
Drastic changes in behaviors or feelings, like eating or sleeping a lot or
experiencing continual mood swings, can be warning signs of depression.
Doctors have agreed on the basic symptoms of the most common forms of depression that affect teens. It's not the name of the disorder that's
important, but the symptoms you are experiencing and how depression
is changing your life.
If you think you may be depressed, it's important to get professional help right away. A trusted adult can help you begin the process. If you are so
depressed that you have thought about suicide, it can't wait another minute.
The sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. The good news is
that most of the people who get help for their depression are able to feel
better and improve their lives.
This goes for a friend, too. If you have a friend who you think is depressed, make sure you or your friend talks to an adult who can find the right
treatment. Let your friend know that you are there for support during this
difficult time.
The important thing to remember is that depression is very common and doesn't mean that someone is weak or a bad person. And remember that
asking for help is the most important first step toward feeling better
Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD Source:
KidsHealth www.KidsHealth.com is a project of The Nemours Foundation which is
dedicated to improving the health and spirit of children. Today, as part of its
continuing mission, the Foundation supports the operation of a number of renowned
children's health facilities throughout the nation, including the Alfred I. duPont
Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Nemours Children's Clinics
throughout Florida. Visit The Nemours Foundation to find out more about them and
its health facilities for children http://www.nemours.org/no/ |
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