ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION: IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU

By: Simona Gizdarska

WHAT IS ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION?It’s a disorder that occurs during the teenage years and involves persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in unusual activities.

FACTDepression affects

about 19 million Americans annually.

More than 2 million of them have not

reached the age of 18.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?Normal process of maturingIndependence conflicts with parents

Death of a loved one Relationship Break-upFailure at schoolChild abuse Chronic IllnessesPoor social skills

FACTSuicide is the third leading

cause of death among 15- to 24-

year-olds.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Depressed, irritable, sad, or empty mood for at least 2 weeks

Decreased interest or enjoyment in once-favorite activities and people

Significant weight loss or gainSleeping too much or too little

Fatigue or loss of energy Low self-esteem, feeling guilty

Unexplained aches or pain

FACT54% of people

believe depression is a personal weakness.

… It’s Not!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DEPRESSION IS LEFT UNTREATED?Problems in schoolLoss of friendshipsRunning away from homeSubstance abuse (Alcohol, Drugs)Eating disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia)

Self injury (Cutting, Burning)Reckless behaviorViolence Suicide

FACT41% of depressed

girls are too embarrassed to

seek help.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SUICIDE?Talking about worthlessnessSuddenly being happier or calmer during a depressive episode

Talking about dyingListening to songs about deathMaking arrangements or getting one’s affairs in order

Giving away precious possessions.

FACT80% of depressed

people are not currently having any treatment.

HOW CAN I DEAL WITH MY EMOTIONS? It’s not your faultYou are not aloneYour reactions are normalYour emotions will changeTake time to care for yourselfFind social supportHave hope

FACT92% of depressed African-American

males do not seek treatment.

CAN TEEN DEPRESSION BE TREATED?

Of Course!More than 80% of teens diagnosed with depression can be treated with no problem

Treatments include: Seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group or Family therapy Antidepressants

FACT1 in 4 girls and 1 in 8 boys will be diagnosed with depression in

their life.

WHO SHOULD I TURN TO? …I’M JUST A KID.Your school guidance counselor

Your parents or guardianYour friends

There is always someone there for you. All you have to do is ask …

 

FACTLess than 33% of

teens with depression get help, yet 80%of

teens with depression can be successfully

treated

WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?

If your friend or someone you know is suicidal, go to your

local emergency room or call 800-SUICIDE or 911.

THE END