Introduction

Maybe you've heard and been told stuff like this from others:

  • "It's all in your head!"
  • "You're a teenager - you're supposed to be moody."
  • "You're just not trying hard enough to pull out of it!"

 

Or, maybe this is how you feel right now or know someone who does:

  • "From the outside, I appear okay - but inside I'm  falling apart."
  • "I feel like I'm in a black hole."
  • "They all think I'm just a troublemaker."
  • "I just don't feel like doing anything anymore."

 

These are common reactions, thoughts, and feelings expresed by adults, strangers, AND YES ...maybe yourself or a friend.  But the first three responses and thoughts are wrong!  Teenage depression IS a very REAL and COMMON issue today! 

Your teen years will be filled with a bunch of emotions - happiness, sadness, anger, frustration, and helplessness.  But teen depression can happen and is very much real.  So how do you tell the difference between having the common "BLUES" or having depression?  Here are some facts and signs to look for when dealing with teenage depression:

  • Both teen girls and boys can experience depression, regardless of social background, race, gender, or school achievements. 
  • About 20% of teens will experience teenage depression before they reach adulthood.
  • Approximatley 3.5 million children and teens suffer from depression.
  • Each year, around 400,000 teens try to commit suicide and up needing medical attention. [1]

 

So, what are some of the symptoms?  Maybe you have been feeling some of them and wonder if you're suffering from depression?  Or maybe your best friend, or a girlfriend or boyfriend are feeling constantly sad and withdrawn from life.   Here are some signs to look for: 

  • Constant sad, anxious or "empty" feelings lasting more than 2 weeks. 
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism.
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness.
  • Loss of interest in activities (sports, hobbies, meeting with friends, etc.) that they usually enjoyed.
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
  • Fatigue, irritability, or restlessness.
  • Difficulty making decisions and/or concentrating.

 

These are just a few examples of how depression feels.  Remember, just because your a teenager doesn't mean you can't be experiencing depression!  Learn more about it and how to help yourself and others.  

 

 

 

Created by Julie Reitz, IUPUI SLIS student

email: jmreitz@iupui.edu

Created on April 11, 2008

Updated April 16, 2008