According to Mental Health America, one in every five teens has clinical depression. Teenagers are naturally moody at times so teenage depression is often overlooked. There is also a difference between serious depression and sadness. All humans feel sadness – usually a reaction to an event or situation. Depression is much more than that. Depression is a long-term illness (at least two weeks) that often has no cause.

Symptoms of depression:

• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
• Loss of interest in old hobbies
• Weight gain or loss
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Anger and irritability
• Insomnia (not sleeping enough) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Extreme fatigue and loss of energy
• Withdrawal from certain people – but not everyone
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Frequent crying
• Substance abuse
• Poor academic performance
• Lack of concentration
• Thoughts of death and suicide

Risk factors for depression:

• Brain chemicals – too much or too little of certain chemicals can cause depression
• Family history
• Life events – death or divorce, etc
• Some medications have negative side effects that cause depression

How can I feel better?

• Maintain relationships with your family and friends, and talk to them about your feelings
• Seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out – teachers, coaches, and doctors can help you
• Ask your parents to schedule an appointment for you to talk with a therapist
• Stay social – even when you really do not want to, staying social will help you feel better
• Do not hang out with friends who are bad influences – friends who are drinking, doing drugs, or skipping school are not the people who will make you feel better
• Physical exercise and a nutritious diet
• Avoid drinking and drugs

What can I do to help a depressed friend?

• Talk to your friend – say you notice he/she is not acting like themselves and ask how you can help
• Be a good listener and do not judge
• Encourage them to talk to an adult
• Maintain the friendship even during the tough times that will follow
• If you suspect your friend is suicidal tell an adult immediately

(references: KidsHealth, Suicide Prevention Research Center, Mental Health America, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)