Depression

Oh no I failed the test today! I’m so depressed! I don’t think you should say that you’re depressed, when you’re just a bit sad Lina. Sometimes we use extreme words to describe how we feel. We all feel down from time to time —it’s practically impossible to go through life not feeling sad sometimes.

We get sad for different reasons, for example, a bad grade at school, or an argument with a friend. This doesn’t mean we’re depressed. Most of the time that feeling of sadness passes on its own. Or it passes when the circumstances change —Lina will feel better as soon as she gets a better grade on the next test. But what if sadness doesn’t go away?

Sometimes the feeling of sadness is so persistent it starts affecting the way a person thinks about the present and the future, the way they view the world. No matter how much the person wants the feeling to go away, it doesn’t. This is a sign a person might be suffering from depression. But what is depression really? Depression is a mental disorder —a condition that affects a person’s mood, their way of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Although we can’t see if someone has depression as easily as we could, if their arm was broken, depression is just as real. Depression affects people in different ways. Besides sadness, the person might also feel worthless, guilty or experience other negative emotions, such as self-criticism and hopelessness. Depression can sometimes make a person feel like they have no thoughts at all, that their mind is blank, or that their mind is constantly occupied with negative thoughts. People with depression often also experience physical problems —they might feel exhausted all the time but find it difficult to sleep.

Or they might sleep all the time. We don’t know what causes depression, but we do know that it can affect anyone. The good news is, depression can be treated. There are different types of treatment. Some might involve talking to a therapist and trying to change the way a person thinks.

While others might involve taking medication. There are also treatments that combine therapy and medication. Although it might take time, it is possible to feel better. Many people who suffer from depression find it difficult to talk about it. They might be worried others will think they are ‘weird’, leave them out or say hurtful things.

They might even worry that starting a conversation about depression will make other people sad as well. Or they simply don’t want to be treated any differently. But talking about depression and one’s experience of being depressed can be very helpful. If you’re suffering from depression, reach out or try talking to someone you trust. It’s okay to get help, and you deserve to get better!

It’s often hard to know if your friends are suffering from depression because they might look just fine. But be aware if a friend has suddenly become distant or has stopped doing things they used to enjoy. And if you think you know someone who might be suffering from depression, you could try talking to them, or let them know you support them. That’s the most you can do and it’s important not to put pressure on yourself by trying to ‘treat’ them —that’s something only a therapist can do.