What It Is

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Depression is a lasting feeling of hopelessness and sadness. People suffering from depression often are fatigued and lose interest in their hobbies. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, decreased interest, difficulty sleeping/oversleeping, weight changes, and thoughts of death and suicide. Though depression affects millions of people, it is serious and if you think you are depressed, you should get help right away.

There are different types of depression. Dysthymia is a type of depression that lasts for at least two years, in which a person has a depressed mood. Postpartum depression affects mothers after they give birth. Psychotic depression occurs when someone has severe depression and also some form of psychosis. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) often occurs during the seasonal change from the warmer months to winter months, when there is less natural sunlight during the day. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience periods of major depression and periods of euphoria, also called “mania”.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

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• feelings of sadness, emptiness, and/or hopelessness

• angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration

• sleeping too little or too much

• tiredness and lack of energy, fatigue

• lack of concentration

• lack of interest in activities

• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

• physical aches and pains

• thoughts of death and suicide

• loss of appetite

• weight gain or loss without trying

Treatment

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The first step to getting treatment for depression is to tell your doctor or a trusted adult or teacher about how you’re feeling. Your doctor can help you can get a diagnosis for depression and may refer you to a psychiatrist or a therapist who can help you manage your depression and can help assuage feelings of guilt. It’s important to ask for help if you think you or someone you know needs it. You may feel like you don’t deserve, but you should reach out anyway. Asking for help is the first step of recovery and your therapist and/or doctor can help you manage your depression and improve your quality of life. Remember, depression doesn’t define you.

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Hotlines & Websites for Support

 

Adolescent Suicide Hotline: 800-621-4000

 

Adolescent Crisis Intervention & Counseline Nineline: 1-800-999-9999

 

crisistextline.org: text “START” to 741- 741

 

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

 

Gay & Lesbian Trevor HelpLine Suicide Prevention: 1-800-850-8078

 

For help finding a therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

Self-Injury (Information Only) – 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288) *Note: this is NOT a crisis line; it is for information and referrals only

 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

 

Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-850-8078 *Note: this hotline specializes in gay and lesbian youth suicide prevention

 

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

 

Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-HIT-HOME

 

dbsaalliance.org – DBSA is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. It provides information on depression and bipolar disorder, as well as information about support groups across the USA.

 

glbtnationalhelpcenter.org – An online chatroom for LGBT people. It’s completely confidential. It also has numbers to call for struggling LGBT

individuals.

 

imalive.org – If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, you can chat with a volunteer. It is free and confidential.

 

mentalhealth.gov – Provides U.S. government mental health information and support.

 

nami.org – NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) is an organization that provides information on mental illness and shares the stories of many

people. You can choose to share your story as well.

 

ok2talk.org – An online outlet for people to share their own stories and find support.

 

teenmentalhealth.org – Provides information about mental disorders and mental illness.

 

thenationalcouncil.org – This is the website for the National Council for Mental Health. It has information about mental illnesses and articles on other topics.

 

suicide.org – Provides information and support and hotlines to call if you are suicidal.