Teen Depression

Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Teen Depression.

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What are the symptoms of Depression?
What is Depression?
What to do if you are depressed?
Where can I get more information about Depression?
Study Shows 900,000 Teens Planned Suicides While Depressed

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Study Shows 900,000 Teens Planned Suicides While Depressed

Approximately 900,000 American teens 12-17 years old had made a plan to commit suicide during their worst or most recent episode of major depression, and 712,000 attempted suicide during such an episode, a new federal study reports.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/1506914.html

What are the symptoms of Depression?

According to the National Foundation of Depressive Illness, the symptoms of Depressive Illness are highly recognizable, both to those affected and to those closest to them, once they are told what to look for.

• Loss of energy and interest.

• Diminished ability to enjoy oneself.

• Decreased (or increased) sleeping or appetite.

• Difficulty in concentrating, indecisiveness, slowed or fuzzy thinking.

• Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.

• Feelings of worthlessness.

• Recurring thoughts about death and suicide.

For more information: National Foundation for Depressive Illness www.depression.org/symptoms.html

Think you might be suffering from depression? Try this online quiz: depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm

What is Depression?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

For more information: National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep1

What to do if you are depressed?

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.

• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ball game, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.

• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition-change jobs, get married or divorced-discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.

• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

• Let your family and friends help you.

For more information: National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep5

Where can I get more information about Depression?

National Institute of Mental Health Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663, 301.443.4513, FAX: 301.443.4279, TTY: 301.443.8431, FAX4U: 301.443.5158 or www.nimh.nih.gov or nimhinfo@nih.gov

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Colonial Place Three , 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 , Arlington, VA 22201, 800.950NAMI (6264) or 703.524.7600 or www.nami.org

A support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illness-over 1,200 state and local affiliates. Local affiliates often give guidance to finding treatment.

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), 730 N. Franklin St., Suite #501, Chicago, IL 60610-7204, 312.988.1150, Fax: .312.642.7243 or www.DBSAlliance.org

Purpose is to educate patients, families, and the public concerning the nature of depressive illnesses. Maintains an extensive catalog of helpful books.

National Foundation for Depressive Illness, P.O. Box 2257, New York, NY 10116, 212.268.4260; 800.239.1265 or www.depression.org

A foundation that informs the public about depressive illness and its treatability and promotes programs of research, education, and treatment.

National Mental Health Association (NMHA), 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311, 800.969.6942 or 703.684.7722, TTY 800.443.5959, www.nmha.org

An association that works with 340 affiliates to promote mental health through advocacy, education, research, and services.

Source: www.facetheissue.com/depression.html  

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