Depression is a very deep and sensitive subject to most people. I’m sure most people will have experienced depression whether from a friend, family member or even yourself. Sometimes it can go so far that people self-harm or even take their own lives, as at the time it seemed a better option than life.  Doctors often prescribe antidepressants to help people with depression as they make them feel happier and help most people get back into a relatively normal life.

Lots of things can lead to depression. It can be a result of lots of stress or bad experiences. It can also run in families, but some people are just naturally prone to it. Whatever the cause is, 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health issue over the course of one year so if you are feeling down, you really aren’t on your own. Depression can happen to anyone, no matter who you are. It also affects people of different ages.

Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and isn’t something you can just snap out of. Some people don’t understand this and can sometimes provoke depression if they don’t realise the symptoms in themselves or in someone else.

Here are some of the common symptoms:

• Sadness, hopelessness and low moods that last weeks at a time
• Getting very little or no enjoyment from life, particularly from things that you used to enjoy
• Lack of motivation, even for small everyday tasks
• Lack or loss of self-confidence and feelings of worthlessness
• Feelings of anxiety
• Poor memory, difficulty concentration, inability to sleep
• A change in appetite and weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of interest in friends, family, school, college or work

I think I’m depressed…

There are lots of ways to help you get better:

• Talk to someone you trust. It’s best to speak to your family if you can!
• Eat right: balanced, fresh, and most importantly green. Green veg may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it may help
• Exercise
• Quit alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and detox the mind. It’s time to think straight
• Most importantly, see your GP who’ll have lots of advice. They might also recommend you see a counsellor or therapist. These experts help us figure out what’s gone wrong, and how to put things right.

Remember you are not alone!

Georgina and Eve (Year 8)