Consequences
Most of the consequences depression brings are negative. There's no sugar-coating or doubting that this is a very serious, and deadly mental illness. Side effects of depression include the following.
Facts & Stats
One thing you probably don't know about depression, is that 65% of the time, it's experienced as anxiety. This is one of the many reasons why you should seek professional help- you don't know what you're feeling. Another important fact you should know about depression, is the way it distorts your thinking. If you have self-harming, or suicidal tendencies, that's not actually you. It's generally the chemicals in your brain messing up. Some substances you probably wouldn't guess are depressants include alcohol, marijuana, and various other street drugs. Avoid abusing these substances to lower your risk of depression. The last thing you should know is that if you're constantly irritated by your family or friends, it's not your fault. Constant irritability is a symptom of depression. Depression can also increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
*episodes usually last about 8 months.
Helping someone with depression.
Helping someone who is suffering from depression can be rather intimidating. An important thing to remember is that you're not in their shoes- don't pretend to be. You can't pinpoint exactly how they feel- so don't tell them you ''know what it's like.'' That may be hard to hear, but it's the truth. Instead of preaching, try the following options.
If you think someone is experiencing depression, reach out. Let them know you're concerned. Make sure you actually know the symptoms of depression first. Explain why you're concerned, and if you need to, point out their behaviors. You can also recommend for them to see a professional. They may be scared, or apprehensive about it. Let them know you can go with them, and help them break down the barriers of fear. Be on the watch for signs of suicidal tendencies as well.
Most of the consequences depression brings are negative. There's no sugar-coating or doubting that this is a very serious, and deadly mental illness. Side effects of depression include the following.
- Suicide
- Self-harm
- Addiction
- Acting out
- School problems
- Relationship issues
- Substance abuse
- Work troubles
- Eating disorders
- Low self-esteem
- Running away
- Social isolation
Facts & Stats
One thing you probably don't know about depression, is that 65% of the time, it's experienced as anxiety. This is one of the many reasons why you should seek professional help- you don't know what you're feeling. Another important fact you should know about depression, is the way it distorts your thinking. If you have self-harming, or suicidal tendencies, that's not actually you. It's generally the chemicals in your brain messing up. Some substances you probably wouldn't guess are depressants include alcohol, marijuana, and various other street drugs. Avoid abusing these substances to lower your risk of depression. The last thing you should know is that if you're constantly irritated by your family or friends, it's not your fault. Constant irritability is a symptom of depression. Depression can also increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
- Abused and neglected teens are most at risk for depression.
- Teens with family members who are depressed are at risk.
- The most common cause of death for people aged 15-24 is suicide. According to www.suicide.org, a teen commits suicide every 100 minutes.
- 5% of teens suffer from chronic depression.
- 15% of teens develop bipolar disorder from depression.
- 20% of teens experience depression before adulthood.
- 30% of teens are treated for depression.
- 30% of teens experience more than 1 episode* of depression within 2 years.
- 70% of teens experience at least 1 episode of depression before adulthood.
*episodes usually last about 8 months.
Helping someone with depression.
Helping someone who is suffering from depression can be rather intimidating. An important thing to remember is that you're not in their shoes- don't pretend to be. You can't pinpoint exactly how they feel- so don't tell them you ''know what it's like.'' That may be hard to hear, but it's the truth. Instead of preaching, try the following options.
- Ask questions.
- Listen.
- Keep an open mind.
- Establish boundaries.
- Learn the symptoms of depression.
- If they are not getting treatment, strongly recommend it, but don't force it.
- Let them know you're a reliable person, and you're always going to be there. Commitment is huge.
- Don't give up.
- Small gestures mean a lot, even if they're as simple as cooking dinner, or leaving a voicemail.
- Don't judge them.
- Don't try to downplay their sorrow.
- Avoid giving advice.
If you think someone is experiencing depression, reach out. Let them know you're concerned. Make sure you actually know the symptoms of depression first. Explain why you're concerned, and if you need to, point out their behaviors. You can also recommend for them to see a professional. They may be scared, or apprehensive about it. Let them know you can go with them, and help them break down the barriers of fear. Be on the watch for signs of suicidal tendencies as well.