Depression

Most of the time depression is a temporary feeling. Sadness, loneliness, and abandonment are emotions that we feel at certain times in our lives. These are normal reactions to the inconveniences of life. With appropriate support, recuperation and an internal belief that things will get better, most of teenagers will be able to overcome the depressive mood.

What are the symptoms of depression?

These are some symptoms that people develop when they are depressed:

• Depressed mood or sadness most of the time (for no reason)
• Extensive period of sadness due to the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship
• Lack of energy and a permanent feeling of exhaustion
• Incapacity to enjoy things that were once found pleasurable
• Lack of interest in sharing with friends and family
• Irritation, anger or anxiety
• Loss or gain of body weight because of a change in eating habits (stop eating or eating more than usual)
• Sleeping disorders (insomnia, sleeping too much, or difficulty waking up in the mornings)
• Guilt or feelings of uselessness
• Psychosomatic pains
• Negativity, indifference (not giving importance to anything in the present or future)
• Feelings of death and suicide
• Academia problems, absenteeism, lack of interest or motivation, attention deficit, lack of concentration

When someone has five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, that person may be depressed.

Factors that contribute to depression:

• Hormones and sleep cycles have an effect in mood
• Substance abuse. Alcohol and other drugs have a depressive effect on the brain
• Being a victim of sexual or physical abuse, or being a witness of abuse inside the family
• Parents divorce
• Doubts and preoccupations about sexuality and sexual relationships
• Eating disorders, body image
• Learning disabilities or attention deficit
• A recent loss (death or loss of a loved one) or crisis
• Ended relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend

Depression also changes the person’s point of view, causing him/her to focus only on defects and deceptions as well as exaggerating negative things. These depressive feelings can convince a person that there is nothing for which to live. The lack of help (because of not having a friend or not trusting in someone) can make the person think there’s nothing that can be done to change or better the circumstances. Depression is one of the most common emotional problems. The good news is that it can be treated. There are professionals that can help. In fact, approximately 80% of people that receive help for depression have a better quality of life: they can evolve and enjoy life in a way they once thought impossible. After receiving therapy the distorted thoughts go away and they are able to find happiness, pleasure, energy and hope again.

Reference:

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/en_espanol/mente/depression_esp.html