CHAPTER 5: Feelings

Contents

CHAPTER 5: Feelings
- Depression
- Suicide Risk

Approximately 15% of adolescents say that they feel anxious, depressed, irritable, sad, downhearted, or "blue" most of the time. Many of these teenagers have had a recent or upsetting change in their life that causes these feelings. This situation usually passes in a few weeks. Sometimes they are depressed.

Depression

Everyone gets the "blues" now and then. It's part of life. But when there is little joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or after seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem. A depressed mood that stays around for awhile, without let-up, can change the way a person thinks or feels. Doctors call this "clinical depression". Feeling depressed over a period of time like this is not a normal part of growing up, but it is a common problem. A person who feels this way needs help. If you feel this way, please talk to your family member, a doctor, nurse, or counselor. If you notice that a friend feels this way, help him or her get help.

Here is a list of the most common signs of depression. If several of them have lasted for more that 2-3 weeks, talk to a doctor, nurse, or counselor about them:

An "empty" feeling; ongoing sadness and anxiety.
Tiredness, lack of energy.
Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
Sleep problems, including very early morning waking.
Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss).
A lot of crying.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Feelings that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless.
Irritability.
Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt.
Symptoms vary widely among people and, sometimes, depression can hide behind a smiling face.

There is no single cause of depression. For some persons depression can occur with just one event. Others seem to become depressed for no clear reason.

Depression is treatable. Depending on the situation, various kinds of therapies seem to work. "Talk therapies", drugs, or other methods of treatment can ease the pain of depression. There is no reason to suffer.

Alcohol and drugs can make depression worse. They must be stopped for depression to be successfully treated.

Suicide Risk

Teen suicide has become a major problem in the United States. Some say it is due to divorce, family violence, and the breakdown of the family unit. The stress to perform and achieve can also lead to teen suicide. Most adolescents who are thinking of suicide say they feel hopeless. In a "romantic" story, two depressed teens sometimes plan together to end it all. Professionals who have helped adolescents deal with suicide feelings report that teens don't understand that depression ends. Suicidal adolescents often feel really sensitive about what others say about them, so they don't talk to anyone about it. This is the biggest problem.

If you are thinking about suicide, you need to talk to someone you can trust as quickly as possible.

Tell a family member, close friend, doctor, nurse, or counselor. Or, check the yellow pages in your area for the phone numbers of local hot lines and crisis and mental health centers, and local or state pediatric societies.

And don't forget your friends. If you notice that a friend is thinking about suicide, get him or her to talk to someone who can help as soon as possible. About 1 in 50 teens who think about suicide make an attempt that needs medical attention.

We have tried to make the How's Your Health error-free. However, those involved in its preparation can not warrant that all of the information is accurate and complete. When you use How's Your Health as a guide for your health and medical care, be sure to discuss any questions about it with your doctor, nurse, or other health care worker.

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