A Guide to Depression
 

Statistics indicate that one in eight adolescents may struggle with some form of depression. This thread contains information on dealing with and overcoming depression.

Although everyone feels fed up, sad, unhappy, or miserable at times, depression is a more extreme form of these emotions. Sometimes, we feel there is a cause for our depression: the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, a failed exam, or an illness. Other times, however, there doesn't seem to be any cause we can pinpoint exactly.

Severe depression can make some people can feel as though life isn't worth living. When depression doesn't go away, asking for help is far from a weakness. Many people find it more difficult to cope with depression at certain stages in their life. You don't have to be strong all the time - recognise and act on when you are finding it difficult to cope and need support.

Symptoms of Depression may include one or more of the following:

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
• Feelings of exhaustion despite sleeping a healthy amount.
• Feeling as though simplest tasks are sometimes impossible.
• Spending a lot of time thinking about negative aspects of one's life.
• Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.
• Feeling burdensome.
• Feeling as though life isn't worth living.
• Lack of confidence.
• Difficulty sleeping.

Physical Symptoms of Depression may include:

• Significant weight loss or gain.
• Restlessness or fatigue.
• Aches and pains, at times with the fear of serious mental illness.

Coping With Depression

If you are depressed, it is important that you talk to someone that you trust such as a family member, friend, or counselor. Not sharing your feelings can often lead to unhealthy coping habits.

You may find that counselling will help you and give you a 'safe place' to talk to someone specially trained. The counselor will help make you feel comfortable with saying how you feel and will then work with you to find healthier solutions to unhealthy coping habits. Hopefully, the counseling experience will give you a better understanding of your feelings and some support in working through anything troubling you. Please note, however, that counseling does not work for everyone, and if this is the case for you, don't give up finding help!

Set small goals for yourself. Try to write down a few things you plan on doing each day and follow through with as many as you can. The more active you are, the less time you will have to focus on your depression. Also, remember that talking to other people can help you know that you're not alone.

Hotlines

For a list of hotline numbers regarding depression, please refer to this thread.

External Resources

For a list of external websites relating to depression, please refer to this thread

Sources used for this article:

http://www.helptoheal.co.uk/depression-counselling.html
http://www.depression-guide.com/depr...definition.htm
http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php
http://www.about-teen-depression.com...tatistics.html