http://www.girlshealth.gov/

Illness & disability

Home Illness & disability Mind Depression

Depression

Changes taking place during the teenage years can be overwhelming. You might feel like you are in a great mood one minute and a bad one the next. This roller coaster of emotions is normal, as is having the blues sometimes. But having the blues is different than having depression. Depression is a serious illness that affects many young people. It is very common among young people who have an illness or disability. The good news, though, is that depression can be treated.

How will I know if I have depression? top

While some signs of depression can seem a lot like having the blues, you should talk to your doctor about depression if:

• You have five or more of the symptoms listed below for two weeks or more, or
• Any one of these symptoms gets in the way of school or family life.

If you are thinking about suicide, Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) NOW!

Symptoms of depression top

• Sadness or crying that lasts a long time
• Feeling really crabby most of the time
• Major changes in the way you eat or sleep
• Feeling guilty or like you are not worth anything
• Not being able to focus or make a decision
• Not being able to enjoy the things you usually enjoy
• Feeling really tired nearly every day
• Feeling very restless
• Thinking a lot about death or suicide

Doctors often treat depression in young people with a combination of a medicine (called an antidepressant) and talk therapy. Treating your depression  will also help you manage your main illness or disability.

I am sad, moody, or just plain down. What can I do? top

Being sad sometimes is normal. But you can take steps to cheer yourself up. Try these tips to boost your mood:

• Know that the roller coaster of emotion is very common during the teen years. You’re not the only one having these feelings.
• Find a way to relax, such as sitting down and taking a deep breath or taking a shower.
• Talk to your friends, parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, or doctors about what you are feeling. They can help you sort through your emotions and help you to feel less alone.
• Be physically active. Swim some laps, or wheel yourself around the block, if you're in a wheelchair. When you are physically active, your brain makes endorphins. Endorphins are natural substances that help control stress and improve your mood.
• Make sure that you get enough rest. Feeling rested can help you better cope with stress.

Helpful tool top

For more information on telling the difference between feeling sad (the blues) and having depression, check out Why Am I So Sad?

Content last updated October 21, 2009

top