“I just remember feeling really lost and not knowing what to do,” an anonymous sophomore student stated.
Like so many people who suffer from depression, teenagers tend to avoid the subject.
“I’ll admit, it’s not an easy thing to talk about,” she said. “People either over sympathize you or think you’re just wanting attention.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health the most common challenges among students with depression include sadness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, physical problems, and suicidal thoughts.
Research on teen depression suggests that difficulty performing at their best, maintaining grades, and staying in school all contribute to the reasons depression becomes an issue for some kids.
“My grades did take a noticeable drop and that was hard on not only me but also my parents,” said the sophomore.
Although there are many types of depression, two of the most common forms are major depression and dysthymia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, if untreated, major depression can last for several months. It is during this time that teens are at a higher risk for suicide, which is a leading cause of death in adolescence.
“I remember being in 8th grade and having suicidal thoughts…” an anonymous NH Junior said,”…but given time and support from others, you’ll get through whatever difficulties you’re feeling.”
Additionally, teens often get into serious substance abuse addictions or drop out of their usual activities and social groups when dealing with depression, according to ULifeline.
“Not only was I avoiding my friends, but they were avoiding me,” she says. “I felt as if in one day it hit, and everything was ripped away from me.”
Dysthymia, the milder form of depression, is in fact more difficult to diagnose. This form of depression actually lasts much longer. Typical ‘episodes’ of Dysthymia can last seven years and even longer.
“I’ve opened up to my parents to an extent of how I feel, and it’s good to know that they’re there for me,” continued the NH tenth grader.
Studies show that many teens go through depression untreated, however there is help and medication available.
For most depressed teens, cutting or self-harm does occur, and is a sign of suicidal action.
“My scars remind me that it’s real, that I’m actually going through all this,” she stated, “and that’s all I have to say on that matter.
Research suggests that recovering from depression can be very hard. Teens don’t know how to feel and sometimes they just don’t remember what feeling normal is like. According to the Depression Health Center, everyone recovers at different rates. It could be a month or two or even several. But many teens don’t seek help and face these troubles alone. The hardest part is trying to realize who to talk to and trust.
“Many depressed teens wear a smile, not live it [a happy life].”