By: Connie Ma
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect anyone. The severeness of depression usually varies from person to person. According to the World Health Organization also known as WHO, 28 million people today have depression. Around 17 percent of teenagers said that they have depression according to KFF.
Depression can negatively affect the teen in many poor ways if the depression is not treated.
Symptoms
Symptoms Depression can cause high school students to feel suicidal, have the lack motivation to work and do things that they have enjoyed before, abnormal emotional changes, changes in appetite, frequent body aches and headaches, self harm, constant tiredness and nausea. However, these are not the only symptoms of depression. If you suspect that you have depression you should talk to someone you trust or a doctor.
Effects
Effects Long-term living with depression can cause harm to your mental health, hurt your relationships in life, and can leave you in the state of constantly being sad or can cause other negative emotions. In a school setting, it can prevent you from being yourself with your friends, learning things well, completing homework and classwork to your best ability, and more. In other words, it can ruin your future if you don’t treat depression or any other mental illness.
How to combat depression
You can combat depression by talking to someone you trust about your feelings, getting help or treatment by a medical professional, practicing self-care and gratitude. Some self-care you can practice to combat depression are exercising, journaling, meditation, breathing exercises, listening to music, setting aside time for time alone to destress, doing your hobbies, and more. However, keep in mind that different things work for different people and vice versa. There is so much more you can do in order to fight against depression.
References:
World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, March 31). Depressive disorder (depression). Retrieved: 8/24/24 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression#:~:text=Women%20are%20more%20likely%20to,world%20have%20depression%20(1)
Roughly 1 in 5 adolescents report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression | KFF. (2024, February 6). KFF. Retrieved: 8/24/24
https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/press-release/roughly-1-in-5-adolescents-report -experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression/#:~:text=Data%20from%20the%20rec ently%20released,they%20had%20symptoms%20of%20depression.
Teen depression - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, August 12). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved: 8/24/24 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-2 0350985
4) 5 Ways to Help Yourself Through Depression (for Teens). (n.d.). Retrieved: 8/24/24 https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/depression-tips.html
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