Most times when you’re feeling down, you are not depressed. Feeling sad or down is a normal, everyday part of life that just can’t be avoided (sorry). In some situations you may be so down that you’re sleeping poorly, not eating a whole lot, or maybe eating too much. This is common and will typically go away in a week or two, especially if there is an improvement in the whole reason why it started.
But suppose it doesn’t go away and just gets worse. You might be depressed…
If this problem has lasted for more than two weeks and you’re also having other problems such as no longer caring how you look, losing or gaining weight, having trouble concentrating or making decisions then you may want to talk to your doctor or parents, or another adult that you trust. It is not good to keep this hidden to yourself. Please, believe me when I say this… There are people who care about you very very much, and keeping like this to yourself can only do you harm. I know, I’ve been there.
A common problem that depressed teens come across is that their parents tell them that teens can’t be depressed. That is nothing but a myth. Anyone at any age can fall into a depression. Yes, even teens.
During times of depression many people feel numb, empty and lonely, as if nobody wants them or cares for them. This can cause them to do harm to themselves. If you are ever having these thoughts, please, see your doctor immediately. I can not stress this enough. Harming yourself is not something to be looked upon lightly. If you can’t wait to talk to your doctor, call a crisis help line. There are many out there that operate 24/7, just for these specific reasons.
