Guide to Depression, Depression 101 Options

[superficial]

After seeing someone post a topic recently, I decided to create a guide for all of you who are currently suffering for depression. Hopefully this guide will help solve your problems. :). Let's get started, shall we?

1. What is depression?

• Depression: an illness that causes a person to feel sad and hopeless much of the time. It is different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy.

2. What are the symptoms of depression?

• You constantly feel irritable, sad, or angry.
• Loss in interest with hobbies that you used to enjoy.
• You feel bad about yourself—worthless, guilty, or just "wrong" in some way.
• You sleep too much or not enough.
• You have frequent, unexplained headaches or other physical problems.
• Anything and everything makes you cry.
• You’ve gained or lost weight without consciously trying to. Also, you have a loss of appetite.
• Loss of energy/low energy
• You just can’t concentrate. Your grades are suffering because of this and etc.
• You feel helpless and hopeless.
• You’re thinking about death or suicide. (If this is true, talk to someone that you feel comfortable with right away!)

3. What are the causes of depression?

• Major life changing events that can create stress, such as childbirth, death of a loved one, break ups/relationship problems, etc.
• Illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, or anything between those lines.
• Certain medications, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief.
• Drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs. Being "under the influence."
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
• Other personal problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses, or being an outcast of a family or social circle.

4. How can you deal with depression?

• Accept that you're depressed and try to deal with it in a healthy way.
  
• Eat enough fruits and vegetables, and make sure your iron and thyroid levels are where they should be. Nutrition plays a major role in energy levels and bodily function. If something is not right in our bodies it may reflect in our mood. Pay special attention to your food intake.
  
• Expand your group of friends. Get close to your family. Join a club or a gym. Go to a class that you enjoy. Meet people. The more friends an individual has the less likely they are to be depressed. It is important to have someone you trust to share your feelings with.
  
• Keep a journal/diary. When you write your feelings down it will help you keep track of when your depressive episodes start. This in turn may lead you to any nutritional or emotional triggers, and allow you to control them before you start. You can share your problems with a trusted adult or friend whom you feel comfortable enough to talk to.
  
• Meditate. Meditation helps the release the mind from tension. A meditation tape can walk you through the steps. Relaxation and rest is key to keeping a sound mind. This can help with stress and help heighten your mental skills.
  
• Know that you're not alone. You might be surprised at how many other teens suffer from depression. You are not alone, and neither is your depression a hopeless case. Even though it can feel like depression will never lift, it eventually will—and with proper treatment and healthy choices, that day can come even sooner. ?In the meantime, you might need therapy or medication to help you while you sort out your feelings. Look into your treatment options with your parents. If medication is being considered, do your research before making a decision, as some antidepressants used for adults can actually make teens feel worse.
  
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol can help with your physical depression. You may be tempted to drink or use drugs in an effort to escape from your feelings and get a "mood boost", even if just for a short time. However, substance use can not only make depression worse, but can cause you to become depressed in the first place. Alcohol and drug use can also increase suicidal feelings. In short, drinking and taking drugs will make you feel worse—not better—in the long run. If you’re addicted to alcohol or drugs, seek help. You will need special treatment for your substance problem on top of whatever treatment you’re receiving for your depression.

This information was from websites, and they are credited here: link1, link2, link3.

Remember that you are not alone! :). If you have any questions about depression, feel free to respond to this topic.

[Sprague]

Great topic. I'm taking meds for depression as well. The first being Wellbutrin from my first psychiatrist, the second being Prozac (and abilify for paranoia, haha). Neither of them seemed to work -- I just take them to make my psychiatrist happy. I'm still struggling through the stages of depression, and even didn't graduate highschool because of it. I'm trying to work through everything right now, and it all just seems like a ... well, mess. I'm going to try that meditation suggestion though, sounds helpful and calming.