DEPRESSION IS REAL

DEPRESSION IS REAL.

[Audio] Here a male teen is expressing that he has been feeling so sad and lonely for a long time and sometimes, he don't even know why. There are many others feeling like him. Are you feeling the same way?.

[Audio] In schools, you can find many of these teens who are suffering from depression. Depression is a mental sickness that causes a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you from doing your normal activities. Some people may experience other symptoms such as suicidal thoughts disturbed sleep patterns, social withdrawal use of alcohol/ drugs or feeling hopeless. It is not something that friends and family can easily pick up on. 14% Of adolescents aged 10- 19 years are going through depression. This means in a room of 7 adolescents, one is going through depression. You don't have to be that one person.

[Audio] We see here students are engaging in bullying. Bullying is a risk factor for depression, but it is not the only one. Other factors include physical and emotional abuse exposure to poverty and violence having issues that negatively impact self-esteem being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in an unsupportive environment or having a learning disability. It is important to be aware of the factors so you can identify teens who are at risk of developing depression..

[Audio] DEPRESSION MUST BE TREATED. Depression must not be ignored or left untreated. Untreated depression may lead to emotional, behavioural, and health issues that influence every aspect of your adolescent's life, including Alcohol and drug misuse, Academic problems Family conflicts and relationship difficulties, Suicide attempts or suicide. It is vital that teens receive the attention and help they need to overcome depression.

[Audio] Suicide attempt or suicide is common in teens who are depressed. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of depression..

[Audio] It is important to know what to do to reduce the risk of depression. Here is a list of things you can do; Speak with a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counsellor, family member, or friend about your problems. Learn healthy stress management skills Being alone, on the other hand, can worsen depression. Try to stay outgoing, especially in person..

[Audio] Adopt healthy behaviors such as physical activity and proper nutrition. Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. Attempt to acquire 8 hours of sleep every night. As a friend, you may assist your teen friend in avoiding depression by encouraging your friend to talk to you, encouraging your friend to get help, sticking with your friend through difficult times, and speaking out if your friend is suicidal..

[Audio] FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on how you can work with someone to become strong and say no depression, you can contact 1784- 431- 4807 or visit our YAS website at www.yas.com, You are strong page on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or the office at the Ministry of Health, Kingstown, Saint Vincent..

SOURCES OF THE INFORMATION. Bruce, D. F., PhD. (2008, June 4). Teen Depression . WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 3). Teen depression - symptoms and causes . https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985 Smith, M. (2022, May 26). Dealing with teen depression . HelpGuide.Org . https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teenagers-guide-to-depression.htm World Health Organization. (2021, November 17). Adolescent mental health . https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health Images were provided by Google.com.