Some definitions, links, and other information to help with discussion:
Depression is a classification of several psychological disorders which have their origins in a combination of factors such as chemical imbalance, social circumstances, and personal behaviors. There is a big difference between being sad about something --- a natural reaction when something happens --- and these disorders. While it can be precipitated by an event which causes trauma, the depressive disorders are NOT considered natural reactions to those events.
Links:
Major Depression
True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.....Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you.
People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude. They cannot imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Symptoms of depression can include:
Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
Becoming withdrawn or isolated
Difficulty concentrating
Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
Fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
Thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble sleeping or too much sleeping
Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Depression
Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad. But these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a common but serious illness.
Depression in Children and Adolescents
This site is just packed with good articles and information about the various forms of depression, treatments, causes, and other resources.
Depression
Specifically aimed at helping children and teens understand what may be wrong with them and how to get help.
Depressive illnesses include but are not limited to major depression, mild depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
-- TxCat, moderator HoS
Alright, this seems to be a very popular and serious problem. Depression. Many kids and young adults experience sadness, and go into a state of depression. Depression can be causes by a variety of things such as:
- Break up (Many don't seem to take this seriously when it really can cause a person into depression..)
- Death or illness of a close friend or family member.
- School issues such as failing a class, or bullying experiences.
- Parent divorce or maybe you even are a parent who has recently been divorced.
- Abusive parents and/or other family member.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Job Loss
This is just a list of few. There are many others ways for a human to go into the state of depression. Something very scary about someone going into this state of depression are the symptoms it causes. This doesn't necessarily occur for every depressed human, but it is very very common. Here is a list of some of the symptoms:
- Self-injury
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt.
- Difficulty with concentrating.
- Trouble sleeping or too much sleeping.
- Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or weight loss.
And many more that I'm too lazy to add.
So, as stated before depression is a very serious problem that occurs often. Some treatment for depression is medication (antidepressants) and/or talk to a therapist. Although, not everyone talks about their depression. Some keep it to themselves and hide it from their social life.
So, post away your opinions on depression and why you think some kids react the way they do after entering a state of depression.