1. Find Out
More About Depression.
Q. What is depression?
A. Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it
is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that “down” mood, along
with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may
be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that
affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior,
physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the
ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
Q. What causes clinical depression?
A. We do not yet know all the causes of depression,
but there seem to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the
likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over
the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders;
depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality
patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme
pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
Q. How common is it?
A. Clinical depression is a lot more common than most
people think. It affects 15 million Americans every year. One-fourth of all
women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence
of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but
is less common for teenagers than for adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of
the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. That means
among 100 friends, 4 could be clinically depressed.
Q. Is it serious?
A. Depression can be very serious. It has been linked
to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and
feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of
suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide
often is linked to depression.
Q. Are all depressive disorders alike?
A. There are various forms or types of depression.
Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but
many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no
apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or
stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest
daily activities -- like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go
through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual.
Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between
two extremes -- from the depths of despair to frenzied talking or activity or
grandiose ideas about their own competence.
Q. Can it be treated?
A. Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90
percent of people with depression -- even the most serious forms -- can be
helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies,
medication, or a combination of both. The most important step toward overcoming
depression -- and sometimes the most difficult -- is asking for help.
Q. Why don’t people get the help they need?
A. Often people don’t know they are depressed, so they
don’t ask for -- or get -- the right help. Teenagers and adults share a problem
-- they often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in
people they care about.
2. Be Able
To Tell Fact From Fiction.
Myths about depression often separate people from the
effective treatments now available. Friends need to know the facts. Some of the
most common myths are these:
Myth: It’s normal for teenagers to be moody; Teens
don’t suffer from “real” depression.
Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of
any race, ethnic, or economic group.
Myth: Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and
just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to
help.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious
health disorder. Both young people and adults who are depressed need
professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn
more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with
problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to
help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of
psychological therapy and medication is beneficial.
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend
recognize the need for professional help. By showing friendship and concern and
giving uncritical support, you can encourage your friend to talk to his or her
parents or another trusted adult, like a teacher or coach, about getting
treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask for help, you can talk to an
adult -- that’s what a real friend will do.
Myth: People who talk about suicide don’t commit
suicide.
Fact: Many people who commit suicide have given warnings
to friends and family. A signal or warning may be a statement such as “I wish I
were dead,” “I can’t take it anymore; I want out,” or “My parents would be
better off without me.” some people even tell a friend
about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend talks like
this, always take it seriously! Immediately make a responsible adult aware of
what your friend has said. A parent, a teacher, a school nurse or counselor can
all help.
Myth: Telling an adult that a friend might be
depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem,
interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. And many parents may
not understand the seriousness of depression or of thoughts of death or
suicide. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a school
guidance counselor, a favorite teacher, your own parents, or another trusted
adult.
3. Know the
Symptoms.
The first step toward defeating depression is to
define it. But people who are depressed often have a hard time thinking clearly
or recognizing their own symptoms. They may need your help. Check the following
boxes if you notice a friend or friends with any of these symptoms persisting
longer than two weeks.
Do they express feelings of
o Sadness or “emptiness”?
o Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt?
o Helplessness or worthlessness?
Do they seem
o Unable to make decisions?
o Unable to concentrate and remember?
o To have lost
interest or pleasure in ordinary activities --- like sports or band or talking
on the phone?
o To have more
problems with school and family
Do they complain of
o Loss of energy
and drive --- so they seem “slowed down”?
o Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?
o Appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?
o Headaches, stomach aches, or backaches?
o Chronic aches
and pains in joints and muscles?
Has their behavior changed suddenly so that
o They are
restless or more irritable?
o They want to
be alone most of the time?
o They’ve
started cutting classes or dropped hobbies and activities?
o You think they
may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?
Have they talked about
o Death?
o Suicide --- or
have they attempted suicide?
4. Find
Someone Who Can Help.
If you checked several of the boxes, a friend may need
help. Don’t assume that someone else is taking care of the problem. Negative
thinking, inappropriate behavior, or physical changes need to be reversed as
quickly as possible. Not only does treatment lessen the severity of depression,
treatment also may reduce the length of time (duration) your friend is
depressed and may prevent additional bouts of depression.
If a friend shows many symptoms of depression, you can
listen and encourage him or her to ask a parent or teacher about treatment. If
your friend doesn’t seek help quickly, talk to an adult you trust and respect
--- especially if your friend mentions death or suicide.
There are many places in the community where people
with depressive disorders can be diagnosed and treated. Help is available from
a family doctor, mental health specialists in community mental health centers
or private clinics, and from other health professionals.
For more information about Mental Illnesses -
Contact:
The Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI of Greater Chicago
1536 West Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-563-0445
