Depression
Depression is a word that you hear more and more but what does it actually mean?
You might feel really down and sad but this doesn’t always mean that you are depressed. It is completely normal to feel like this mainly because we can’t feel happy all the time!
Usually if we feel sad someone or something will help to pick us back up again but if you feel down for a long time it can start getting in the way of your everyday life. This is when sadness can become depression.
Maybe you:
- Don’t see your friends as much or at all
- Don’t want to do things that you used to enjoy
- Sleep too much or not enough
- Have trouble eating or eat too much
You might also cry a lot, often be moody or irritable and can’t explain why you feel so down.
Why you might feel this way
Life can be really hard and there may be lots of reasons why you feel depressed. For example:
- Someone close to you dying or leaving
- Arguing a lot with friends or family
- Worrying about schools or exams
- Having a parent/carer who is depressed or worried
- Worrying about money
A traumatic event can also kick-start depression. But if you are depressed (or even just feeling a bit down) it is really important to work out things that can help you feel more in charge of your emotions.
Remember, feeling sad or depressed does come to an end, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Keep in mind things that help you cope and when you feel depressed and use them when you feel down.
Useful stuff
Download our booklet on depression for more information or listen to Robin talk about depression:
