What is Depression?

According to the Oxford Student’s Dictionary, depression maybe defined as a state of great sadness or hopelessness often along with physical symptoms.

My Experience with “DEPRESSION”

My depression started at the age of 13 whilst in 1st going into 2nd form. I may not get into full details as a disclaimer, however, it was unnoticed by my family and peers. I hid it so well that even when I wanted to talk about it I would cry and feel dejected due to not wanting to bother my friends.

In the summer of 2016, I lost all my friends because I was projecting “negative energy” which was true however their approach was wrong, reason being that at that time I needed the support. That made me even more depressed and started scrapping with needles and glass then cutting with pocket knives and razor blades.

This continued for 3 years until I was 16 years old and was hospitalized for suicidal attempts and that was where hope started to rise. At first, it didn’t work until I was prescribed medication to help keep me happy and relaxed. Nonetheless, with the issue being domestic and part social anxiety I had relapsed a few months after. Physically I was never abused but mentally, verbally and emotionally I was until I just stopped caring and lessened my interaction with friends and household.

I used my room and school as an escape as my best friend and others made me content and that was my drive. Music was another booster for I loved singing and playing the piano. Other talents were sewing, painting and a bit of drawing as they were used as coping mechanisms to take my mind off what individuals said and the hurt I felt daily.

My Opinion in Depression

Depression is real, I have faced it and has been traumatized by it. It is not only about sadness it can be in the form of aggression and loss of interest in social interactions, as well as in your education. Depression had affected my academic levels in the 3 years I was down.

Many people see it as a choice yet depression is not a choice sometimes you may be depressed and possibly unaware of it and question “Why are you feeling this way?”. It does not have to be caused by abuse, it can be stress or a traumatic experience such as losing a loved one, falling pregnant or even anxiety.

Symptoms of Depression in some TEENAGERS

Mayo Clinic Depression Symptoms

1. Sadness, Crying Spell
2. Frustration, Short Tempered
3. Feeling hopeless or empty.
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.
5. Distancing self from friends and family.
6. Low self-esteem
7. Suicidal Thoughts
8. Social Isolation
9. Anorexia
10. Insomnia, Sleep too Much
11. Regression

Conclusion

Respectively, depression is one of the leading causes of behavioural changes in your peers and family members. Often times teenagers do not like to open up to adults just in case they are ridiculed and shunned as well as not going to friends due to the fear of further rejection and humiliation.

Depression is NOT a CHOICE
RECOVERY IS
CHOOSE IT, DON’T LOSE IT

PLEASE NOTE

Pay close attention to your friends, parents or guardians pay even more close attention to your children. Teachers, I implore that you check on your students especially those who are possible loners and face financial struggles especially in this pandemic where most depression is caused in the home via abuse or stress from quarantine and online schooling.

Helpful Solutions to Assist with Overcoming Depression

• Talk to a trustworthy adult
• Try to relax and not to overthink
• Listen to music
• Try to interact with nature
• Learn new things such as art, drama, sports, make-up, sewing etc.
• Read a book; Wattpad books are suggested as there are variations.
• Spend less time focusing on insecurities
• Prayer helps too as it gives spiritual growth as you interact with God about your issues.
• Be The Change You Want To See

“DO NOT WAIT UNTIL ITS TOO LATE”

EMAIL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON DEPRESSION AND UNMENTIONED SYMPTOMS