Health & Wellness What is Depression?

Depression is a very real medical issue. It does not mean there is something wrong with you or that you are not strong enough to feel better. It is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. This is common in teenagers and pre teen years because the hormones are cycling wildly due to puberty. This hormonal imbalance mixed, with the high levels of stress and expectation during these years, makes it easy to become overwhelmed.

If you are depressed, you cannot just decide to feel happy and fix the issues. Yes, this is part of the process. You do have to try to find positive things in your day. Mostly though, it requires help to overcome. Talking with a counselor or psychologist is the most important part. It helps you identify the emotions you are experiencing that are making you feel this way. Sometimes too, medication is needed in addition to therapy. This will help balance the chemical irregularity happening in the brain. Taking a medication will not make you feel 100% back to normal, but it will help the hormone balance enough so you can use other tools to help you get back to yourself. Needing to take an antidepressant medication does not mean you are crazy or not trying hard enough.

Some people who are depressed harm themselves in an effort to feel things. One common example is people who cut themselves. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, it is scary and overwhelming. You may feel alone like you cant’ talk to anyone about it, especially not an adult because what if you get in trouble? This is absolutely NOT the case. The world today is much more overwhelming and has way more stress than in the past. Finding ways to deal with all the stress is difficult. You can ABSOLUTELY and ALWAYS tell an adult about the situation. You will not get in trouble. It is ok to ask for help. Find an adult you trust- a parent, a guidance counselor, a teacher, a doctor, and tell them what is going on. Odds are, they will know resources to help.

Signs of depression can be subtle and can get worse slowly over time. The most common signs are: Sleep changes: not being able to sleep at night or sleeping a lot more during the day Not wanting to hang out with friends or do activities you used to like to do

Feeling worthless or hopeless Feeling like you don’t have any energy It is harder to concentrate than usual

Change in appetite: Not wanting to eat or wanting to eat a lot more

Feeling on edge or anxious Thinking about hurting or killing yourself Please get help and reach out

Dr. Brittani M. Corbisiero, DO

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

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