By Julia Conforti and Michaela Schmitz
Depression is a mood that goes beyond a temporary feeling of sadness, it affects feelings, thoughts, behavior, and physical health.
Not only can adults be affected by this mental illness, but teens can be as well. Depression changes the daily routine and the way it is carried out. And since it affects the brain, academic performance usually deteriorates.
“[Students with depression] are just trying to survive. School takes the backseat,” said Art Preuss, Indian Trail High School and Academy’s student counselor.
Teen depression is caused by biological chemistry, patterns of negative thoughts, imbalance in hormones, and trauma.
Some people think those afflicted can turn their sadness on and off like a light switch, but the brain can’t produce enough ‘happy hormones’ — also known as serotonin — to undo the chemical imbalance causing the depression.
Another misconception is that there is only one level of depression, but it is actually a very complex illness that has many different levels with common being minor and major depression.
“Everyone can go through situational depression,” said Preuss.
While depression is difficult to overcome, there are ways to to conquer it.
Ways to deal with depression are to make new friends, join school activities, and ask a trusted adult for help. It’s also essential not to make the person not to make feel guilty by telling them other people have it worse.
Friends that know someone with depression can help by encouraging and supporting them, by being an easy person to talk to, and getting them a counselor or therapist.
“It’s important to talk, get those feelings out. Find someone to talk to. Don’t try to hide it. Go beyond just family,” said Preuss.
“You won’t be depressed forever,” said Jake Rothweiler, a comprehensive student.
“Keep on keepin’ on,” said Kristin Larson, Special ED teacher.