The adolescent years is the time when we all experienced unique events in our lives that lead us to discover more of ourselves. This is also the time where intense emotions of sadness and bouts of irritability are common. But if these feelings are not as fleeting as it is for others, you may be in a depressed state. If you are, do not worry. You can always ask for help from a friend or from your family. There is always someone who is willing to listen to what you have to say and lend a helping hand.
What does it feel like to be depressed?
But before you deal with depression during the teenage years, you should have a basis for determining what depression feels like. Depression is hard to describe. People who experience depression do not experience it the same way. However, there are common symptoms and experiences that are present in most cases of depression.
What are the common symptoms of depression?
- You feel helpless and hopeless.
- You thinking about death or committing suicide.
- Feelings of sadness, anger or irritability are constant.
- Easily cries for no apparent reason.
- Nothing seems enjoyable.
- You sleep too much or too little.
What do you do when you are thinking of death and suicide?
Talk to someone right away. Ask someone for help in dealing with your intense emotions. If you do not feel comfortable talking about this with someone you know, then you may want to talk to a professional and air out your feelings. There are hotlines that you can call and ask help regarding this matter. In the meantime, it is important to stay calm and not do anything drastic.
Think positive thoughts and always keep in mind that there are other more logical and viable solutions to your problems. Your emotions will pass eventually. Thinking this way does not make you a bad person. Being depressed can make you think of things that you would not normally think about. People who are willing to help you should be ready to listen to what you have to say in case you feel ready enough to start talking. If your feelings are too intense and you think you cannot control them, then tell yourself to wait for a whole day before doing anything drastic. Use the time to think about things seriously. Find someone you can talk to that can give you serious and unbiased advice. If you think you might do something drastic even when you are thinking things over, then make sure someone is always with you. You do not have to talk to the person, you just have to have someone with you to deter you from doing anything majorly destructive to yourself. If you do not have someone who can stay with you, then try to stay in public places where people can easily see you.
What can I do to help myself?
People around you will not be able to help you if you do not take the first steps in helping yourself. It is not your fault you are depressed. But you can initiate steps that can help you get over this phase and live your life.
First, ask someone for help. It never hurts anyone to admit that they are in trouble or that they need help. Make sure you have someone to talk to for anything. You can talk about stressful school work with your classmates or friends. Tell your parents or your closest sibling how your day at school was. Try talking to the school guidance counselor or any other certified expert in the field. Avoid keeping things to yourself.
Secondly, make sure you do not isolate yourself from your family and friends. Avoiding daily activities with friends and family will do you much worse. Find the time to interact with friends. Or at least people who are upbeat, lively and outgoing. Try engaging in activities that entail interaction with people.
Third, always remember that you are not alone. There are other teenagers that are going through the same phase as you are. This does not mean that it is okay to live with it. Depression can be dealt with in a number of ways. Just make sure you consult with an expert in the field. Make sure to make smart decisions about the treatment options you choose.
Fourth, keep yourself healthy. A healthy body can help elevate your moods. Avoid alcohol and drugs as these will only worsen your negative feelings. Try exercising more or take on a new sport. Physical activities such as running and playing sports give you a rush of endorphins that can make you feel happy after exercise. Not only will this help elevate your mood, but it will also help keep you in shape.
Lastly, talk to your parents. Your parents were once teenagers, too. You will never know the depth of their understanding until you open up to them and actually tell them what is going on with you. If you cannot bring yourself to talk about your feelings with your parents, then find an adult that you can trust. There are several support groups out there than you can join, too.