Teen Depression
By: Alysia, Carrie, Luke, and Spresa
Depression
2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life.
Types
All depression types are not the same. Learn about the different types of depression, the signs and symptoms, and talk to your doctor about treatment.
Read about the causes and symptoms of major depression and the available treatments. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms because help is available.
Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
Chronic depression or dysthymia is a milder form of depression that affects millions. Find out if you or a loved one has chronic depression.
Many people with depression don't have the typical symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of atypical depression, with symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.
Postpartum depression is increasingly common. Discover the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and seek early medical treatment to keep it from affecting your life.
Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)
Learn all about the mood swings of bipolar depression (manic depression) from the elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.
Do you get depressed during certain times of the year? Learn when seasonal affective disorder is most likely to affect people and what your doctor can do to help you manage the symptoms.
Learn all about psychotic depression -- psychosis, hallucinations, and other signs -- and know when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Role depression had in Columbine
Warning Signs
Signs of help, in need of love and interaction.
Disclusion
Feeling like they don't belong with anyone, or anywhere.
Depression
All the thoughts behind it.
Columbine school shooting!
Tuesday, Apr 20, 1999, 08:00 AM
Columbine, CO
Prevalence
Women are 70% more likely than men.
Between 2008 and 2009, the suicide rate in the United States rose by 2.4%, with a reported 36,909 suicide deaths, according to a report by the CDC. In 2008, 13.4% of individuals who committed suicide experienced job and financial problems, a report by the CDC revealed in August 2011. Furthermore, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an emergency crisis hotline, revealed that the volume of calls they received between 2010 and 2011 increased by 14%.
Consequences
- Trouble at work
- Strain on family
- Social alienation
- Health problems and death
- Insomnia
- Weight gain loss
- Drug/alcohol abuse
Detection and prevention
- sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day
- loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable
- major change in weight (gain or loss of more than 5% of weight within a month) or appetite
- insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day
- physically restless or rundown that is noticeable by others
- fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or excessive guilt almost every day
- problems with concentration or making decisions almost every day
- recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt
Prevention:
- Eat a healthy diet. If you may run the risk of getting depression, make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and take vitamin supplements. Eating foods high in fiber and antioxidants helps your body function at its highest level, not only physically but mentally as well. Remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
2
Refrain from tobacco.Refrain from consuming alcohol or using tobacco or other narcotics. These substances can alter your mental state and drastically affect the way you handlestressful situations.3
Going for a jog with a friend is an excellent idea.Exercise regularly. The recommended amount of exercise is 3 to 5 days a week for 30 minutes at a time. This could be a quick walk,a jog, a ride on your bicycle, or a run around the neighborhood. Even everyday tasks, like cleaning the house, can be healthy activities that count toward the recommended amount.4
Get plenty of sleep.Get plenty of sleep. Researchers advise 8 hours of sleep a night for optimum performance, but that is not always possible in today's hectic world. Only you will know the amount of time you truly need to function at your best, figure that time frame out and do your best to hit that goal every night.5
Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Depression can be caused from not properly dealing with stress. By letting yourself feel the stress and process it correctly, you are able to move past it in a healthy manner so that it does not continue to burden you.6
Be productive. Find a hobby or an outlet that helps you deal with the daily stresses of life. Some people choose to write in a journal, others garden, or paint. Think of healthy activities that will help you stay calm and work toward adding it into your life more.7
Breathe deeply. By breathing deeply, you are allowing your body and brain to get adequate amounts of oxygen, helping you relax and function better.8
Try calling someone.Socialize with others. By having a support group of friends and family to openly talk with, you will be less likely to keep feelings inside that can lead to depression. If you do not have support, there are organizations and groups around the world you can turn to for help, some offer help using online resources as well.- (http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Depression)
Treatment: Options/Efficacy
Medications
A number of antidepressant medications are available to treat depression. There are several different types of antidepressants. Antidepressants are generally categorized by how they affect the naturally occurring chemicals in your brain to change your mood.
Psychotherapy
Psychological counseling is another key depression treatment. Psychotherapy is a general term for a way of treating depression by talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health provider. Psychotherapy is also known as therapy, talk therapy, counseling or psychosocial therapy.