Oh, hey there. Don’t you think that this question is a common myth among all of us? Ah, sure it is. People really do think that if a person describes himself as “being depressed” then he is mostly sad.
First, let me make this clear, sadness is an emotion or a feeling, whereas, depression is a mental illness in which being sad is one of the factors causing it. It is normal to be sad, as everyone experiences it. Sadness gets triggered in teenagers due to a number of events like loss of a loved one, failing an exam, parents getting a divorce, financial trouble or issues at home.
Sometimes, a person is relieved from sadness by crying or taking out frustrations on others. But, if this sadness continues for a week or two, interfering the person’s daily life, then that could be a sign of depression and might even lead to something called as major depressive disorder or MDD.
Teenage Depression is a lot different than what adults suffer from. Teenage depression is not that easy to overcome on; if left unseen, it can cause serious issues and the adolescent might require professional help with a long term treatment and medications. But most teenagers can ease out of depression with medication and counseling.
Here are some signs showing that you are or might be suffering from depression:
• Socially isolating oneself.
• Feeling of restlessness or agitation.
• Unable to concentrate or think rationally.
• Experiencing mood swings.
• Lack in personal hygiene.
• Harming oneself or getting suicidal thoughts.
If you experience the above symptoms, try reaching out to your parents or an elder or anyone you trust for further help. If the symptoms get worse, try to get professional help as soon as possible cause the depression symptoms can’t be treated on their own – and they might get severe, leading to other problems.
But what exactly causes teenage depression?
Teenage depression might be due to any of the factors given below:
• Having issues related to bullying, peer problems, etc.
• Having being a victim of sexual, verbal or physical abuse.
• Having ADHD, bipolar disorder or any other mental health conditions.
• Having an underlying health conditions like cancer, diabetes, asthma etc.
• Having low self-esteem or being pessimistic.
• Due to consumption of intoxicants like alcohol, nicotine or other drugs.
• Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community in an insecure environment.
• Having a problematic family or due to conflicts between parents.
• Having a history of depression or anxiety in family.
Being depressed is not a condition to be ashamed of. It is normal. If it is your friend or anyone you know suffering from depression, the only thing you need to do is, first, make the person comfortable and try to socialize with them. Try to distracting the person by taking them for a walk or help them develop a hobby, etc.
If you’re experiencing depression, don’t worry! You aren’t alone. There are many others just like you. I can feel what you’re going through cause once I was in the same place where you are right now.
If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact us or log on to our website. We at AWTL, are trying to make it possible for every teenager suffering from depression to get the required help. And you don’t even need to worry about your identity as you will receive help anonymously.
Kindly like and write in the comments below if you liked this article.
Till then, Be Safe, Be Happy and Be Rational.
And most importantly, Believe in yourself.
Bibliography
Sequeira, Aaron. “Depression - Is It Just Sadness?” A Will To Live., 9 Nov. 2020, www.awtl.org/.
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