|
The Facts About Depression
and Suicide
It's not unusual to have the blues or feel down occasionally. Being
a young adult can be unsettling, full of change and growth. The
expectations of your family and friends and the fear of not meeting
those expectations, can create stress and worry. When things
go wrong at school or at home, you may feel unsure of your abilities
or question how you fit in. On top of that you are constantly faced
with tough choices; choices that could affect the rest of your life.
You may sense conflicting messages from parents, friends and society.
Dealing with pressures
Developing strategies for coping can help you deal with feeling
down and other problems.
- Make good friends. Good friendships
are important for positive self-esteem and provide an important
social outlet.
- Participate in sports, work, school activities
or hobbies. Staying busy can help you focus on
positive things rather than negative feelings or behaviors, and
can help build self-esteem.
- Ask for help. When problems
are too much to handle alone, don't be afraid to ask for help.
But sometimes, when moods make life difficult on a
day-to-day basis, you may become depressed…
Recognizing depression
Everyone should know the warning signs of depression and
be ready to take action. Depression is a serious problem that calls
for prompt, appropriate care. Early detection and treatment
can help you feel like yourself again.
If you think you might be depressed, know that you're
not alone. Research indicates that as many as one in eight
teens, and 19 million adults, suffer from clinical depression.
Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies
show that the way the brain works plays a role in depression. A
family history of depression may increase the risk. Difficult
life events (such as death or divorce), side effects from some medications
and negative thought patterns can also play a role.
Depression can take several forms, including bipolar
disorder (formerly called manic-depression), which is a condition
that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.
The following symptoms may indicate depression,
particularly when they last for more than two weeks:
- Withdrawal from friends, family and school activities
- Sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Anger and rage
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feelings of being unable to meet expectations
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Substance abuse problems
- Thoughts of suicide
When unrecognized, feelings of depression may be expressed
by experimenting with drugs or alcohol, being sexually promiscuous
or by hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors
only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and difficult
relationships with friends, family, and law enforcement or school
officials.
Treatment for depression can put you back on track
and give you hope for the future.
Treating depression
As well as being real and common, depression is also treatable.
It is extremely important that you receive prompt, professional treatment
if you're depressed. Depression is serious and, if left untreated,
can worsen to the point of becoming life threatening.
Talking with a mental health professional can help
you understand depression and how to cope with stressful situations. Depending
on the situation, such talk therapy may consist of individual, group
or family counseling. Sometimes medications may be prescribed
by a health care professional skilled in treating teens with depression
to help you feel better. Some of the most common and effective
ways to treat depression in young people are:
- Psychotherapy-provides an opportunity to explore
events and feelings that are painful or troubling and teaches coping
skills.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy-helps change negative
patterns of thinking and behaving.
- Interpersonal therapy-focuses on how to develop
healthier relationships at home and at school.
- Medication-relieves some symptoms of depression
and may be prescribed along with talk therapy.
When you recognize the need for help, you have taken
a major step toward recovery. Seek support and encouragement
from your friends and family, talk with a mental health professional
and follow treatment recommendations.
Facing hopelessness
Sometimes you can feel so depressed that you may consider
ending your life. You may see a temporary problem as one that will
never get better. If you are having thoughts about suicide, get help.
Suicide is never the answer.
Tips for Friends and Family
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay
attention to these warning signs:
- Suicide threats
- Giving away belongings
- Obsession with death
- Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
- Dramatic change in personality or appearance
- Irrational, bizarre behavior
- Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Severe drop in school performance
- Irritability
Remember-These warning signs should be taken seriously. Get
help immediately. Err on the side of caution. Your action may
save a life.
- Offer help and listen. Encourage
your friend or loved one to talk about their feelings. Listen,
don't lecture. Don't be afraid that asking about suicide will give
someone the idea.
- Trust your instincts. If
the situation seems serious, get help right now. Tell a secret,
if necessary, in order to save a life.
- Pay attention to talk about suicide. Always
take it seriously and get help immediately.
- Seek professional help. It
is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional
who has experience helping young people with depression. Also,
alert key adults in the youth's life-family, friends, teachers
and coaches.
For More Information
For referrals for local services, contact your local mental
health association or :
National Mental Health Association
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 800-969-NMHA
www.nmha.org
Additional Resources:
CRISIS LINES
If you are in a crisis please
call
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Covenant House Nine Line
Operates a 24-hour teen crisis line.
1-800-999-9999
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Offers support to families of children with bipolar disorder.
http://www.bpkids.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Gives information and referrals for people with mood disorders.http://www.dbsalliance.org
|
