Teen Depression

It’s a Friday night. Most of his friends are out partying yet, he has opted to stay at home. His friends were even surprised when he turned down their invitation to hang out with them. What’s wrong with him? Typically, he could always be counted on night outs and gimmicks. But then, lately, he doesn’t feel like going anywhere. Instead, he spends his nights listening to his iPod and sleeping. 

He feels tired all the time but has difficulty falling asleep. He’s gained weight too. When his mother would ask him what’s wrong, he just heaves a sigh and feels like crying. But he doesn’t understand why. Nothing particularly bad has happened. Yet he feels sad all the time.

He may not realize it yet, but he is depressed.

Understanding depression

Depression is very common and affects 1 in 8 people in their teen years. However, this situation is always misunderstood by many. Normally, not everyone recognizes depression when it happens to someone they know.   Most of the time, people in their surroundings will take their low energy with criticism and anger. Parents would even yell at their children, accusing them of being lazy or just procrastinating, not knowing that this would add up to their children’s already depressed state. What is even worse is that some people think that depression is just an attitude, a certain phase or a mood that a person can shake off. Well, it’s not that simple – and I can attest to that.

Feeling depressed is feeling like your being sucked into a black hole full of pessimism, indifference, anxiety, regret, doubt and troubles. When you are in the state of depression, you feel less motivated, you have little or no interest on certain things and you start to develop a bleak projection of the future or even at the current moment. Thus, more often than not, your daily routine or tasks will be affected and may show a disappointing result. At a certain point of depression, one does not only feel tired but most of the time, one would feel lonely, worthless and full of guilt and regret without any idea why. At large, depression affects the person’s behavior, mood and foremost, outlook and perception.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of hope and help on the horizon. No matter how you are feeling at the moment, there are people who unconditionally love and care about you, and if you can only muster the courage to talk about your depression, it can definitely be resolved.

Do not isolate yourself…

Chances are, when you’re depressed, you may not feel like seeing anybody. Yet, you need to fight that feeling, for after all, it will not do you any good. Doing your routine may be hard for you to accomplish but isolating yourself could worsen your depression.   In as much as you hate it, companions can help you ease your depression. So stay sociable, even if that is the last thing that you want to do.

You are not alone…

At the verge of depression, you may think that you are alone and helpless, but that is an absurd thought. Bear in mind that, like you, millions of teenagers are suffering from the same situation. Even if you think that the feeling of depression will never go away, it eventually will - and with proper consideration, treatment and attitude, you’ll soon see the silver lining.

Talk to a friend…

We teens are comfortable sharing our heartaches, frustrations and sadness to our friends. If you believe that sharing at least a part of your sadness can ease your discomfort, then go ahead and find your closest friend whom you can confide your feelings to. It is very helpful to share your worries with someone whom you can truly trust.

Your family is your ultimate comfort zone…

Beyond doubt, your family is your ultimate comfort zone. Friends could be very helpful too, but in the long run your family will be the people who will always help you.

Everyone comes across ups and downs, and sadness is a natural and the immediate emotion that you will feel. These reactions are usually fleeting and will fade away with a little time, patience and care. The good thing is, we are given the chance to take control of how we respond and react to the various situations, may it be difficult or not, that we will be experiencing. So grab that chance and learn to realize that you are the MASTER of your own self.