What is depression? To simplify the mile-long definition I found in the dictionary,
it basically means you just don't enjoy anything. You're gloomy, sad, and
never feel happy anymore.
A state of depression is common for many teens. They have to face
the world every day and for many it seems a 'good' wisp of air almost never blows their
way. Many teens deal with it with drugs and alcohol, and those who accept it, soon get
lonely and sad. Believe me! I know! People I am very close to have gone
through this.
Another cause may be family problems. Tough times with your family are never easy on you. It's hard to watch things fall apart right in front of your eyes. Deaths are VERY hard to deal with. Losing some one you loved is very sad. Others causes, such as mental disorders, stress, and being rejected at school (or being rejected by anybody) all cause
depression.
I myself have been going through depression. I'm here to tell you, Hey!
Your best friend could be depressed and not even show it. I never told
anybody. Maybe I thought it was embarrassing, or maybe it's just because I
thought no one would care. I'm sure I was obvious sometimes, coming to
school all sad and gloomy, and never feeling like laughing. I don't know
what I'm sad about, I'm just never happy.
You can tell when depression is occurring in someone... I guess you could
watch for the 'signs'. Anyway, one is when you sense people are excluding
themselves from everyone. They feel lonely. Or when people threaten to
hurt themselves, or talk of suicide and death. Sometimes they will make
remarks such as, 'I hate myself' or 'Life is lame' or something like that.
Commonly, people develop eating disorders.
You cant just let this person suffer, right? Confront them, ask them
what is going on... nicely! Not like you're snooping into their business. But
if they pour out their life story, then listen. Often these people just want
to tell somebody. They want to know they are wanted in life.
If you sense a DEEP depression in a person, it's best to tell somebody.
Suicide is all too often a resort for depressed people. Tell someone!!! No, not
another friend -- tell an adult, such as a teacher, principle, counselor,
parent, or any adult figure that you think could help.
If you feel you are suffering from depression, tell somebody. Tell a
friend, or tell a doctor or counselor. They wont think you a freak or
anything. People love and care about you, and they want to help you.
When I came to school looking sad and unhappy, people judged me. They would
say, 'She just wants attention,' or, 'She just wants people to feel sorry
for her.' They wouldn't even know what was going on. And that could really
hurt someone. Ask yourself, 'How would I feel if someone said that to me?'
I thought I needed to write this, because I struggle with it every day, and millions of other kids do, too.
~Dumblonde~
