Are You Depressed or Just in a Bad Mood? Understanding Adolescent Depression
Signs of Depression Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness Feeling hopeless/pessimistic Sleeping too much or too little Appetite changes Lack of energy Problems concentrating Thoughts of suicide
Bad Mood Situational Last a short period of time
Unique to Adolescents Irritable Outburst or acting out
Why do teens get depressed? Negative thinking pattern Low self esteem Difficult life events: divorce, loss of loved one Chemical Depression Changes in brain function Family history of depression
What to do? Get Help, depression IS treatable Set priorities and limit what you will do Try to socialize Exercise Recognize negative thinking Set small goals
For More Information www.nimh.nih.gov www.nmha.org www.nami.org