Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad or blue every once in awhile. When someone is depressed, it can mean they feel sad, lonely or hopeless for long periods of time. Depression can cloud everything a person does and change how they interact with friends and family.
Depression is caused by a lot of things—from genetics (it can run in families), to life events (a recent death, divorce of parents, pressure at school or home), to what feels like no reason at all. But no matter what is making someone feel sad or depressed, it is never their fault. Treatment for depression can be hard and takes time, but almost everyone who chooses to get help feels better. Depression isn’t forever. You can reach out for support.
If you are feeling depressed and need to talk to someone, call the YouthLine now at 1-877-YOUTH-911 (1-877-968-8491) and check out the following resources:
http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/depression.aspx#
Above the influence has a section of their website dedicated to depression with a good approach for teens
http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm
Helpguide is a non-profit website with at section on depression. It has tons of information, and it is very easy to find whatever you’re looking for. There are different approaches to “helping yourself or a friend”
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
Helpguide is a non-profit website with another section on depression, similar to the one above, but with a “guide for parents and teachers”
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/worst-things-to-say-to-someone-whos-depressed/
A list of the worst things to say to someone who is depressed. Friends and family don’t say these things!
Instead, say these things sincerely.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/best-things-to-say-to-someone-whos-depressed/
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2009/living-with-depression-2/
A guide for people suffering from depression that face social stigma, and how they should explain their problem to their friends and family.
Want to hear more from other youth who know what you’re going through? Check out our blog posts on Depression.