Depression

A lot of teens struggle with depression.

 

By: Leslie Sandoval, 10

 

Depression is a common disease that affects a lot of teens including some that attend BA. According to Psychcentral.com approximately 20% of teens experience depression before they reach adulthood. Between ten to fifteen percent suffer from symptoms at any one time.

Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better.

The symptoms of depression is a feeling of hopelessness, substance abuse, talking about death or suicide and having low self-esteem.

A senior student who will remain anonymous told us about his experiences with depression.

 

“Suffering through this can be a tough thing to deal with, there are moments of self-hate and just moments of wanting to give up,” he said.

 

Depression for students in BA can be overwhelming.

 

"We have only attended school for about five weeks and there has already been three to four people asking for help," said school nurse Deborah Norris.

 

There are more people struggling with this illness but they rather not say a thing.

 

“Some people are afraid to ask for help because they’re afraid to be judged,” she said.

 

Overcoming depression isn't quick or easy, but it's far from impossible.

Our anonymous senior says that he copes with depression best by surrounding himself by positive people, listening to music and by just trying to do the things that make him happy so he won't feel the sadness.

Depression can happen to anyone anywhere, but teens seem to struggle with it the most. If you suffer with this illness there are a few things that you can do to overcome it.

 Aim for at least fifteen minutes of sunlight a day to boost your mood. They can explore their emotions with people they meet within online support groups, you can also reed many useful self-help books such as The Feeling Good Handbook.

 

“Overcoming depression isn’t the easiest thing to do but through the help I received and the treatments I got I got better over time.” Said anonymous.

 

10.07.16