**Depression and High School Students

NIMH Pamphlet Depression and High School Students

Depression can occur during adolescence, a time of personal change.  Depression is a common mental illness typically marked by sad or anxious feelings.  It is common to feels sad sometimes for a day or two, but this usually passes quickly.  Depression lasts for a long time, and interferes with day-to-day activities.

Depression symptoms include feeling: Sad, Anxious, Empty, Hopeless, Guilty, Worthless, Helpless, Irritable or Restless.  In addition there may be these symptoms: Loss of interest in activities you enjoy, Lack of energy, Problems concentrating or remember things, Problems falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much, Loss of appetite or eating too much, Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts and Aches, pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not go away.  One thing to note about adolescent depression (not mentioned in the flier) is that irritability is more common in teens than adults.  Adults more likely have depressed mood. 

If you suspect you might have depression it would be good to talk to your doctor or your parent could talk to a mental health professional.  The number in Santa Clara County is 1-800-704-0900.  Depression can respond to medications, psychotherapy or both.  Things you can do on your own to fight depression are: Give treatment a fair chance, attend appointments and give medications time to help, Engage in mild exercise, Participate in activities you enjoy, Break up large projects into smaller tasks, Spend time with friends and family, Expect your mood to improve gradually, Positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as depression improves.

If there is a crisis (you are are thinking or suicide, or someone you know is talking of suicide) you may call 911 for help, go to nearest emergency room, or talk advantage of 24-hour crisis lines: Santa Clara County  1/855/278/4204 and national 1-800-273-8255.