Oct 14, 2015 4 min read

Q:How can I tell if I’m depressed? I feel different. I cry easily. Then I get angry quickly for no reason I can tell. I can’t seem to shake a feeling of sadness. I tell myself to just make this go away, but it doesn’t. I’m pretty fortunate. I have a decent family, I go to a good school, I have friends. I get stressed about grades a lot and then I start spiraling into this sadness. Is this depression? Can someone my age be depressed? What do I about it?

16-year-old

Mary Jo’s response: Depression at any age is real.

If you are depressed, you’re not alone. Experts estimate that at least 20 percent of all young people experience depression prior to reaching adulthood. Even more troubling: Only about 30 percent of depressed teens receive help for their depression. You’ve shown courage by reaching out and seeking help. Thank you.

There are many signs of depression in teens. You’ve named three: a persistent feeling of sadness, crying and anger. You also admit feeling stressed. The following signs may signal depression in a teen:

• Sleeplessness and restlessness

• Sadness

• Frequent crying

• Lack of enthusiasm

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Change in eating habits

• Anger and irritability

• Overreaction to criticism

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Lack of energy

• Drop in academic performance

• Thoughts of death or suicide

An awareness of depression is a first step. Getting help is key. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tell someone: A caring, trusted adult – your parent/guardian, a teacher or guidance counselor at school, your faith youth group leader, or your coach – can connect you with professionals who can help.

• Accept treatment: Weekly meetings with a counselor or therapist can help sort out your feelings. Make appointments and keep them.

• Try relaxation: Many people rush to antidepressant medication. A good relationship with your counselor can help you develop non-pharmacologic (no drugs) coping mechanisms like breathing techniques and mindfulness.

• Take medication if prescribed: I know teens who are given antidepressant medications but take them intermittently. Be honest with trusted adults. If you don’t like the feeling meds give you, ask for a new type of prescription.

• Don’t self-medicate with alcohol or illegal drugs: Too many teens try to “fix” depression on their own. Getting involved with alcohol and other substances leads to bigger problems.

Our peer educators’ wisdom may ease your pain. Feelings of depression and anxiety are common in teens; our adolescent advisory board selected mental health as its theme this year. Depression can be treated; please give yourself a chance at happiness.

Peer Educator response

Your family’s stability or having a good school situation doesn’t mean you can’t feel depressed. Sometimes sadness just is there and you can’t make it leave. Depression can happen to anyone. Depression kinda hurts, like on the inside. Kinda in the chest. You can’t prevent it from happening. A lot of us struggle with stress. School can be stressful. Have confidence in yourself. Do your best. Mary Jo can teach you ways to relax and accept who you are. You’re a lot smarter than you think! It’s good that you see the positives in your life. Get help from a professional and listen to your counselor. It’s OK to admit you need help. You can and will feel better.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.