According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 5 million teens ages 12-17 have had major depressive episodes. Whether you’re a teen struggling because of school or home, depression can come at the worst times and all you want to do is stay in bed. You’re not alone. According to the National Library of Medicine, over the last 5 years depression has been at an all-time high for all ages. Because of this, we need to take this issue seriously and talk about it more so that if you’re feeling this way you can get help—whether the help is for you or someone else.
What is depression? According to the Webster dictionary, the definition of depression is “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.” Depression can cause many emotional and physical problems, according to the National Health Service United Kingdom. Some physical signs of depression could be loss or gain of weight in a short amount of time, talking slower than normal, lack of energy and unexplained pains or aches. People with depression may also feel sad, tired, irritable or empty for extended amounts of time.
Depression can also cause teens to self-harm or think about suicide. Suicide and Crisis Center states that the leading cause of death in people ages 10-24 is suicide, with numbers going as high as 1,499 a year in the U.S. These statistics can be heavy to think about, and I know it all too well.
One year ago I had a good friend, and he lived a couple hours away from where I lived. He and I would talk every day, but I had no idea what he was really going through. One night his mother called me to tell me he had died by suicide. He was being bullied very badly in school and was going through some things at home. He felt he had no one to talk to. I remember that day like it was yesterday. When I found out, my whole life was turned upside down. I still feel sad about it to this day. I would never wish that kind of pain on anybody. For a couple of months after his death, I felt like it was my fault, but after being in therapy for a long time I realized that it wasn’t my fault. If you have or are going through something like this, just know it’s not your fault.
What I wish my friend knew was that there are many people you can talk to, like school counselors or other mental health professionals, or you can call 988 if you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone in person. This number is the National Suicide Hotline. There are also treatment plans people might need to set with a medical professional that could involve medication. People with depression may also find listening to music, calling friends and journaling to be good coping skills. Another thing that might help you or someone you know dealing with depression is finding quotes or mottos to live by. For example, I live by the quote “Head up, shoulders back, you got this.” One of my friends said this to me a long time ago, and it’s helped me through some hard times. Sometimes something as small as a few words can give you hope.
Unfortunately, many young people today have learned to hide their depression, whether they hide it because they think they’re going to get in trouble, bullied or sent to a mental hospital. It’s always better to talk about how you feel. I struggle with depression and have thought about suicide because I didn’t feel like I had anyone to talk to. Now I talk to a therapist and I have a lot of people I talk to, I have found talking to people helped me the most. However, even if you don’t see a therapist, there are many people you can talk to, like your parents, or if that isn’t an option you can talk to people you feel comfortable around, like school staff, friends or other family, which is something Yutan’s guidance counselor emphasizes.
“My door is always open for any student. There is help if you are struggling, and we will work to find whatever you need. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. There should be no stigma if you seek out help for depression or suicidal thoughts. We need to flip the narrative and acknowledge that seeking help for our mental well-being is one of the most courageous things we can do,” 7-12 school counselor Missy Chvatal said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you should talk to someone, go for a walk or do something that makes you happy. Don’t stay in bed all day; it won’t make you feel better. Depression can feel lonely and scary, but you will make it through. You are stronger than you think, so keep fighting.
