Provided by the National Institute of Mental Health
You know that these school years can be complicated and demanding. Deep down,
you are not quite sure of who you are, what you want to be, or whether the
choices you make from day to day are the best decisions.
Sometimes the many changes and pressures you are facing threaten to overwhelm
you. So, it isn't surprising that from time to time you or one of your friends
feels "down" or discouraged.
But what about those times when a friend's activity and outlook on life stay
"down" for weeks and begin to affect your relationship? If you know someone like
this, your friend might be suffering from depression. As a friend, you can help.
…Find Out More About Depression
What is depression?
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.
What causes clinical depression?
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. Difficult life experiences and
certain personal patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem,
or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming
depressed.
How common is it?
Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It will affect
more than 19 million Americans this 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 25 friends, 1 could be clinically
depressed.
Is it serious?
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 past 25
years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased
dramatically. Suicide is often linked to depression.
Are all depressive disorders alike?
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 disorder in which their moods cycle between two
extremes—from the depths of desperation to frenzied talking or activity or
grandiose ideas about their own competence.
Can it be treated?
Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with
depression—even the most serious forms—can be helped.
There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can
be used to treat depressive disorders. Some people with milder forms may do well
with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often
benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication
to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more
effective ways to deal with life’s problems, including depression.
The most important step toward overcoming depression—and sometimes the most
difficult—is asking for help.
Why don’t people get the help they need?
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 other people.
...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 psychotherapy 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: 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.
...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 to see if a friend or
friends have had any of these symptoms persisting longer than two weeks.
Do they express feelings of
Sadness or "emptiness?"
Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt?
Helplessness or worthlessness?
Do they seem
Unable to make decisions?
Unable to concentrate and remember?
To have lost interest or pleasure in ordinary activities—like sports or band or
talking on the phone?
To have more problems with school and family?
Do they complain of
Loss of energy and drive—so they seem "slowed down?"
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?
Appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?
Headaches, stomach aches, or backaches?
Chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles?
Has their behavior changed suddenly so that
They are restless or more irritable?
They want to be alone most of the time?
They’ve started cutting classes or dropped hobbies and activities?
You think they may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?
Have they talked about
Death?
Suicide—or have they attempted suicide?
...Find Someone Who Can Help
If you answered yes to several of the items, 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 treatments. 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 family doctors, mental
health specialists in community mental health centers or private clinics, and
from other health professionals.
For Additional Information
Please visit the following link for more information about organizations that
focus on depression.
For More Information About NIMH
The Office of Communications and Public Liaison carries out educational
activities and publishes and distributes research reports, press releases, fact
sheets, and publications intended for researchers, health care providers, and
the general public. A publications list may be obtained by contacting:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison, NIMH
Information Resources and Inquiries Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
Phone: 301-443-4513
TTY: 301-443-8431
FAX: 301-443-4279
E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov
All material in this fact sheet is in the public domain and may be copied or
reproduced without permission from the Institute. Citation of the source is
appreciated.
NIH Publication No. 01-3824
Reprinted June 2001
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