Page 97 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

ANXIE T Y AND DEPRESSION 95

Depression ALERT !
People often say “I’m depressed” when they are sad. But in fact, depression lasts Suicidal feelings
longer than the feeling that comes when something upsetting has happened.
Depression may be triggered by experiencing a traumatic event, such as the loss Suicide is the act of intentionally ending
of a loved one, moving house, or changing school, but sometimes it can happen your own life. Sometimes people with
for no reason at all. People who are depressed feel persistently down and usually depression, or those experiencing
experience one or more of the following symptoms. intolerable feelings, can start to feel that
their life isn’t worth living. This feeling is
usually temporary, but it’s essential to seek
help immediately if you feel this way.
For some people, it helps to speak to
someone they don’t know. There are phone
Symptoms helplines available 24 hours a day, every day
of the year, or counsellors that can be
reached by text or email.
• Constantly feeling sad, low, or worthless, sometimes irritable
or tearful If you’re worried for a friend, encourage
them to talk about their feelings and listen
carefully. Advise them to get help as quickly
• Losing interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable things
as possible. They may seem to push you
• Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions
away or appear indifferent at first, but stick
• Feeling unable to fall asleep, and sleeping less or more than usual
by them and offer your support.
• Changes in appetite and subsequent weight loss or gain
• Headaches, tiredness or loss of energy, and feeling restless

What to avoid
There are some pitfalls to avoid if a teen
is feeling anxious or depressed.
See the doctor Medical treatment Too much
When anxiety online time
A nurse or doctor and depression
will be able to Be smart about
help if further persist, the online time. Too
doctor may
support much, especially
is needed. prescribe on social media,
medication. may worsen a
teen’s mood.

Counselling Cognitive Drink or drugs
Behavioural Don’t rely on
Talking is one of Therapy (CBT) these for a
the first and best
steps to get help CBT is a method mood boost.
They make
with anxiety and of changing
depression. negative thought anxiety and
depression worse.
patterns.

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