Category:Teen Health by McKenzie Roers

Do you find that you are loosing interest in your social life, that you go weeks without a good night’s sleep, or find yourself on the verge of tears over nothing? These, and many more, could be signs of depression. Depression is a common mental disease and can affect anyone, but studies show that more females are affected than males. As many as 1 in 8 teenagers are affected and around 5% are subject to depression at any given time.

Depression is often overlooked and goes untreated, especially in teens. As teenagers, our bodies are going through major changes and it is considered normal to go through some intense mood swings. It is when the mood swings become consistent and more serious that we should worry. Teens that usually get depression do not recognize it at first, after all who isn’t helplessly tired after a week non-stop homework? But add the inability to concentrate in school, the withdrawal from friends, and sudden loss of interest in things they once enjoyed and you have a problem on your hands. Depression is not incurable, but the process of returning from the “dark days” can be tedious. Often time the recovery period consists of seeing a counselor or doctor, and is some very serious cases, taking the “happy pill”.

Even something as little as not making the volleyball team or falling just short of the varsity soccer team could trigger the first stages of depression, and without help, could lead you in a downward spiral. If you know a friend who displays any signs of what you believe is depression, try first, talking to them. If that fails, go to a trusted adult or parent. Depression is the leading cause in suicides among teenagers. You wouldn’t want to be left thinking that you could have done something to prevent a death do you? Help keep your fellow teens alive.