#FreshTake: Experiencing the blues or teen depression?
If you are a teen and you think you may be depressed or you have a friend who may be depressed don't wait to get help
Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in life.
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Many teens show the symptoms but too often it is brushed off as a ‘passing phase.’ A lot of the times drastic emotional changes need to get urgent attention.
Depression can affect one at any time in life, but the symptoms may be different between teens and adults.
Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies, failed relationships, can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens.
For some teens, the lows they experience are more than just temporary feelings; they are a symptom of depression.
If you know of a teen who might be suffering from depression, try to determine whether he or she is capable of managing challenging feelings, or if life seems overwhelming.
Often when life seems overwhelming, then they tend to hurt themselves or attempt suicide. Remember whether you are feeling under the weather or showing signs of teen depression – it is not a weakness.
You cannot fix it or make it go away on your own. If you are a teen and you think you may be depressed or you have a friend who may be depressed don’t wait to get help.
Talk to your doctor or share your concerns with a parent, a close friend, a spiritual leader, an educator or someone you trust.
ALSO READ: #FreshTake: The destructive inner voice
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