Depression

Depression

Identifying Depression

Depression causes a variety of serious symptoms and can affect anyone at any time-it does not matter who you are. Did you know that depression is common? Remember that you are not the only one feeling this way and depression is treatable.

There are many warning signs of depression, including:

* Persistent Crying

* Loss of interest in things you enjoy doing

* Boredom, loss of energy

* Low self-esteem

* Increased hostility

* Poor concentration

* Eating too much or too little

* Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping

* Problems in school

* Repeated complaints of physical illness

Do you recognize a cluster or bunch of these signs in yourself or your friends? If so, it is important to seek help.

Effects of Depression

Sometimes you may feel bummed out or sad. Everybody has these feelings once in a while. But if these feelings are hanging on and you are unable to get out of bed and get on with the day or feel like you are in a big dark hole for several weeks then this is depression. Depression affects your whole body-it involves your body, mood and thoughts.

Depression is different than a passing blue mood or a bummed out feeling. It is not a sign of personal weakness just like diabetes is not a sign of personal weakness. It is important to know that depression is a medical illness and can be treated. It is not your fault that you are depressed but it is important to get help.

Adolescent depression affects 750,000 teens at any one time. Remember that teens who seem continually sad angry, confused, misunderstood, or rebellious are probably depressed.