More Than Sadness
Lately, your friend doesn't really seem like him or herself. S/he used to do well in school and defend your school's lacrosse goal like magic. S/he always stopped to talk to friends in the hall but still got to class on time. But s/he's quieter now. S/he doesn't look sick, but s/he says s/he has no energy and can't think straight. When you call him or her, s/he's sleeping. If this sounds like you or someone you know, that person may actually have a disorder that's known as depression. It affects millions of people each year, regardless of their race, national origin, culture, gender, economic status, or age. A teen can become depressed, just as an older person can.
What is Depression?
Depression is not the same as just being sad. Any teen dealing with the stresses of life might have a reason to feel sad every once in a while. But when a depressive mood continues for weeks, months, or even longer, then it becomes a serious condition because it starts to affect a person's ability to function.
No one can prove why certain people get depressed. Research suggests that in some cases it may be hereditary: Someone with a family member who has (or had) depression may be more prone to having depression. But a person's environment can also play a big part. A difficult loss, like the death of a family member or friend, can sometimes lead to depression. An unhappy family atmosphere can lead to depression as well. Even learning disabilities, hormonal changes, or physical illness can cause depression. Alcohol and other drug use and abuse can also contribute to depression. We do know that depression starts in the brain - specifically, with chemicals called neurotransmitters that send messages between nerve cells and serve as mood regulators in the brain. When there is a decrease in certain kinds of neurotransmitter activity, the result is depression.
Here are some of the symptoms of major depression:
- Sadness most of the time
- Lack of energy, feeling tired all the time
- Inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Irritability, anger, or anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Significant change in weight
- Sleep problems
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Not caring about anything
- Thoughts of suicide or self-mutilation
People Who Get Help, Get Better. Fortunately, there are professionals who can help, so get help and feel better.
In fact, about 80% of people who get help for their depression function better and enjoy themselves in a way that they weren't able to before. Treatment for depression can include counseling, medication, or a combination of the two.
Counseling involves talking with a mental-health professional about where the depression comes from and how to feel better. Most teens who get help for their depression go on to have fulfilling, happy teen and adult years - and to enjoy life and feel better about themselves.
How to Help a Friend
If you or a friend needs help dealing with depression, talk to a parent, a school counselor or psychologist, a doctor or mental health counselor or another trusted adult. Help is also available from the resources listed below:
In an emergency, call 911Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Monday-Friday (daytime only)
617-423-9575
(EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE 24/7)
Samariteens Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-252-TEEN (8336)
Non-Emergency Only:
Massachusetts Mental Health Center
Children's Services Division
(M-F daytime only)
617-626-9260
Source: Teen Files: Issues That Matter. A Hot Topics Newspaper Supplement.
William R. Keating, Norfolk District Attorney (2000).
