GETTING THROUGH FEELING BLUE

Everyone has emotional ups and downs. For teens, changes in the body, hormones, responsibilities, relationships, and schoolwork all contribute to stress levels that may cause depression. For some teens, the blues seem to hang on. If the times when a teen is down are more common than when he or she is up or if friends, family or the things they enjoy do not improve his or her sadness, it may be time to seek help.

Symptoms may include a change in behavior, motivation or becoming withdrawn. The major signs of depression are:

sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness
loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating
staying up at night and sleeping during the day
rebellious behavior, sudden drop in grades, or cutting classes
complaints of pain (such as headache or stomachache)
alcohol or drug use
promiscuous sexual activity and
preoccupation with death and dying

Keeping the blues inside does not help. Some teens feel so blue they consider harming themselves. If a teen's feelings of sadness and loss of control are to a point they are thinking about suicide, it's time for professional help. It is very important to talk with a responsible person such as a parent, school counselor, nurse, religious leader, or healthcare provider. There are also local hotlines for teens to call for advice.

Almost everyone sometimes feels that it would be easier if we could go to sleep and not wake up. Then we would not have to deal with our problems. But when the crisis is over, we are glad that we are alive. The problem shrinks in importance.

Depressed or suicidal teens need help and treatment to realize that there are always choices. Warning signs of suicide include:

threatening to kill his or herself
preparing for death, giving away favorite possessions, writing goodbye letters
expressing hopelessness for the future and
giving up on one's self

If you have no one to talk to and are feeling suicidal, call the nationwide USA 24-hour hotline toll-free at 1-800-SUICIDE or call 911 and tell them you are in suicidal danger. Call for comfort and call to survive.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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