1. Are You Depressed or Just in a Bad Mood?
Understanding Adolescent Depression

2. 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

3. Bad Mood
Situational
Last a short period of time

4. Unique to Adolescents
Irritable
Outburst or acting out

5. 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

6. 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

7. For More Information