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Depression; Forgotten and Ignored.

Published Dec 20, 2013 in Health & Medicine
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Depression; Forgotten and Ignored.... Read more

A project that I had created in my Freshman Seminar Class. Thought that i would be cool if even more people could see this and maybe even change there opinions on teens with depression.

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Presentation Slides & Transcript

Depression;Overlooked and Ignored.By Dana Colarocco

If today, you found out that one of your peers or classmates had been diagnosed with any type of cancer, or any other serious illness you and your community would most likely make an effort to support them and to comfort them and their families. They of course mean well and are appreciated.

Unless involved is someone with a different illness, which is just as serious medically, but to society it is just a shallow cry for attention.

Depression is an extremely severe illness, along with many others like seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Just because these are classified as mental illnesses, society treats them as a joke when they are just as serious if not more serious then other sicknesses that are taken seriously.

Depression is the third greatest cause of deaths among teenagers.  1 in 5 teens has thought about suicide.1 in 6 teens has made plans for suicide.More than 1 in 12 teens has attempted suicide in the last year (Teen Suicide statistics).

All of these are true, yet depression is still not accepted as a legitimate illness. For a while, parents had thought that teens were not getting depression, and if they had the symptoms they were ignored and thought to be overreacting.

Because of this, many teens who struggle with depression do not tell anyone until it has gotten to the point where they are forced to find an outlet for their pain.

Some teens result in cutting or burning themselves to relieve themselves of the mental pain by harming themselves physically. Some start abusing drugs and alcohol to numb the pain that they are overwhelmed with everyday. Once these become insufficient, they lose all hope, and consider suicide as the way out of their misery.

If society would accept this disorder instead of just telling people with depression to “cheer up!” or that they are being melodramatic maybe they would be more open to getting help instead of going down the path of self destruction.

Difficulty concentratingCannot remember detailsAlways sleepy Feeling guilty or worthlessFeelings of hopelessnessInsomniaIrritability RestlessnessLoss of interest in activities or hobbies.Appetite lossAlways having pains or headachesRelentless sadness or emptiness.Thoughts of suicide or suicide attemptsSymptoms of Depression

The ‘right’ way to help someone who’s struggling with depressionShow them that treatment is key to getting better.Make sure to be an active part of their recovery. Keep in contact and remind them of their importance to you.Ask them to talk to you about it, but do not force them to open up.

Help them set small goals for themselves.Read up on depression so you can better understand how they are feeling. Encourage doctor, psychologist, or therapist visits.Pay attention and if you notice behavioral changes, make sure to tell them you are concerned. Other ways to help people with depression

Consequently, if you or a loved one is suffering with depression, make sure to let them know that there is always hope and that things DO get better. If someone confides in you that they need your support, do not take it as a joke. You never know who could be suffering secretly. Sometimes people are hurting on the inside and your ‘kidding around’ could push them over the edge.

Works Cited Smith, Melinda, Suzanne Barston, M. A, and Jeanne Segal. "Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents." —Learn the Signs and How You Can Help Your Teen. Helpguide.org, Nov. 2013. Web. 09 Dec. 2013. "Teen Suicide Statistics." Teen Depression. WordPress, 25 Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. "Signs of Clinical Depression: Symptoms to Watch For." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.