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MENTAL WELLBEING Feeling depressed? Don’t be. Just reach out to your loved ones for help. MANSI PODDAR

 Teen depression isn’t just occasional bad moods or teen angst. It is a serious problem that requires diagnosis and treatment or can lead to irrevocable tragedies like homicide, suicide, addiction. Depression is a problem that impacts every area of a teen’s life.

Common signs

Irritable or angry mood: Depressed teens are more irritable than sad. They tend to be grouchy, argumentative, easily frustrated, or prone to angry outbursts.

Unexplained aches and pains: They will often complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomach aches. If a physical exam does not reveal a medical cause, these aches and pains may indicate depression.

Extreme sensitivity to criticism: They are plagued by constant feelings of worthlessness and are sensitive to criticism, rejection, failure. This is a bigger problem for over achievers.

Withdrawing from some, but not all people: Depressed adults tend to isolate themselves from people but teens usually maintain some friendships. A noticeable change may occur where they begin to isolate themselves from parents, or start hanging out with a new group.

Suicidal thought or behaviour: Because teen depression is common and often ends in suicide, teens should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thought or behaviour.

• Talking or joking about committing suicide. Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or “There’s no way out.”
• Speaking positively about death or romanticising dying (“If I died, people will finally understand my value).
• Writing stories and poems about death or suicide.
• Reckless behaviour or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
• Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.

Help them cope

• It is essential to consult a counsellor. Do not think of social stigma…
• Communicate your fears with the person.
• Do not insult them for their feelings.
• If they mention suicide/sex/homosexuality, try not to freak out and bring up God and dead relatives, but listen and seek help if you are unable to cope.
• Encourage them to be free with you.

 Self-help

• You are not alone. With some help, you will feel better and be able to thrive.
• You are not a lazy, bad person because of how you feel.
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member, but remember, parents love you and want to see you happy, so take a chance on them.
• Things do not last forever and your pain will end.
• Depression is not a sign of weakness.
• Whatever your gender, it’s OK to ask for help and get it.
• Mental health is as important as physical health. In fact, the two are closely linked.
• Mental health problems are real, and they deserve to be addressed.
• Try to not isolate yourself.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, they will make things worse and leave you broke with a set of very angry parents.
• Avoid driving when angry or upset; when you do that you put lives in danger.
• Find something you love — art, music, dance, writing, reading, cooking, sports, and indulge in it.
• Enjoy some sunlight and nature.
• Take lots of deep, slow breaths to help you manage stress and anxiety.

The author is a psychotherapist.

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