TeenHealthFX - Answers - Do I Have Depression?

Depression / Question
Published: March 29, 2006

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I think I might have depression, but I don't know if I do. I can't sleep, I don't enjoy eating, and I don't enjoy many of the things I used to really like. I don't know what to do, I’ve heard of the disease but I don't know what to do about it. Help me!!!

Signed: Do I Have Depression?

Dear Do I Have Depression?,

Clinical depression is a serious illness that can affect anyone, including adolescents. Approximately 4 in 100 teens get seriously depressed each year. While feeling sad at times is perfectly normal, depression involves a level of sadness that can negatively impact your thoughts, feelings, behavior and overall health over a prolonged period of time. If you are finding that the frequency and intensity of your sadness is causing problems with grades, relationships with family members and friends, alcohol or drug use, or is controlling any other part of your life – it is possible that you are dealing with depression. However, it is important to meet with a mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are connected to depression. Most people with depression can be helped – so if you are diagnosed with depression it is important to get treatment as depression can worsen the longer it goes unaddressed.

The following are symptoms associated with depression:

You feel sad and cry a lot – and it doesn’t seem to go away.
You feel guilty for no real reason.
You’ve lost your confidence or feel negatively about yourself.
You often have a negative attitude towards things.
It often seems like you have no feelings – that you are indifferent to things.
You no longer feel like doing things you used to find pleasurable.
You tend to isolate and want to be alone.
It’s hard to make up your mind, to concentrate, and to remember things.
You get irritated often; little things make you lose your temper and you often overreact.
Your sleep patterns change – you either sleep more or have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Your eating habits change – you lost your appetite or are eating more than usual.
You feel restless and tired most of the time.
You think about death, feel like you’re dying, or have suicidal thoughts.

While some of the symptoms you mentioned are listed above as symptoms associated with depression, TeenHealthFX is not able to accurately state over the internet whether or not you are definitely depressed as there could be other factors besides depression that are contributing to these feelings and behaviors. Therefore, as stated above, FX suggests that you meet with a mental health professional in order to get an accurate assessment of what is going on.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX