What is Depression?

Depression is when feelings of sadness, emptiness and irritability that affects most parts of a person’s daily life, and stop them from doing things that they used to enjoy.

   It’s normal to have mood swings or feel down from time to time. Young people feel sad after something upsetting has happened, like a relationship breakup or trouble with friends or family. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for feeling sad, but the feelings of sadness can pass with time. Feeling depressed is more than just feeling sad or down and it’s important to know when it can become a problem.
   Sometimes people with depression experience other mental health problems too, such as anxiety, panic disorder or substance use disorders. Some young people experiment with alcohol and other drugs. These can help you feel good in the short term, but when the effects have worn off, alcohol and drugs can leave you feeling much worse in the long term.
   Depression frequently manifests itself in feelings of sadness, low energy and hopelessness. However, some people, especially males, experience depression as irritability, hostility or anger. Regardless of how depression appears to others, it should be clear that this mental condition is different from the individual’s usual emotional state.

Signs of Depression

•  A person experiencing major depression may be unable to complete their school work or go to work and may even have difficulty getting out of bed.
• It involves low mood and loss of interest and enjoyment in usual activities, in addition to other symptoms. 
• There are difficulties in talking with people, such as a family member, friend or teacher.
• Tiredness (fatigue) or loss of energy.
• Agitation or slowing of movements.
• Poor concentration or indecisiveness. For example, you may find it difficult to read,work, etc. Even simple tasks can seem difficult.
• Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
• Increasing of Suicidical thoughts.
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite/weight loss
• Increased appetite/weight gain
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Tearfulness
• Ache and pains
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt
• A sense of worthlessness
• General irritability
• Difficulty concentrating on daily tasks
• A loss of interest in activities or hobbies