Mental Health and Depression
By Yingying Chen
Depression
- Depression is the reaction to life struggles or an injured self esteem
- Depression is usually due to stress, a loss of a family member/close friend, or anxiety
- Depression is a feeling of loss, anger, grief, sadness over a long period of time
- Depression is not something that can be treated by just saying, "Stop acting this way" or "Snap out of it"
- Depression could lead to suicide
Signs of Depression
- Signs of depression include fatigue or loss of energy
- It could also include impaired decision making
- Signs of depression also include lack of energy in favorite activities
- Insomnia is a sign of depression
- And significant eating changes are also part of depression
How to Help Depression
- People who are depressed can be helped by counselors, family members, friends, and professional therapy
- You can help someone who is depressed by telling them that realizing they have depression
- You can also help by giving them support and love
- Also, talk to the person who is depressed. Tell them you are there and they can tell you anything
- You can also help someone who is depressed by doing small things, like getting to choose better eating habits or going outside
Suicide
- Suicide is the intentional act of killing yourself
- Suicide is the product of untreated depression
- Suicide is not inherited and not a "disease"
- Not all suicidal people want to die
- Suicide could be caused by another's suicide or suicide attempt
Suicide Prevention
- You can prevent the suicide of a friend or family member by telling the police
- If you are thinking of suicide, go talk to a trusted adult whom you feel comfortable with
- If you see someone who is thinking, writing, or talking about death very often then tell an adult who can help them
- When talking to a suicidal person be yourself and sympathetic
- Do not tell the suicidal person to "Look on the bright side" or "You have so much to live for".