WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

  • Depression is a combination of symptoms including a change in mood, sleep, energy, and appetite.  In adolescence, irritability is a more common symptom than sadness.

  • Despite being one of the most common medical illnesses adolescents face, depression is often misunderstood.

  • Although treatable, it is found that most adolescents go years without seeking proper treatment or talking about it.  This is partially due to the stigma associated with depression.

  • Adolescents may hesitate to share information about their illness or seek treatment for fear of judgment.

  • Education is the key to breaking down the stigma and helping someone get the appropriate treatment.

  • Depression can affect anyone, no one is immune, and there are found to be genetic components.

  • Teenagers need to learn about their illness, treatment, and supportive lifestyle changes that will support their Recovery.

  • Depression can distort the thoughts of people with the illness.

  • Teenagers with more severe depression have strong guilt feelings or believe they are a burden and their families will be better off without them.

  • Depression is treatable!

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Sad, irritable mood, feeling of nothing

Decreased interest or pleasure in activities

Social isolation

Change in appetite or weight

Sleeping more or less than usual

Feeling restless or slowed down

Fatigue

Decreased concentration or inability to focus

Sense of hopelessness

Substance abuse

Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety symptoms such as separation or social panic attacks

If you suspect someone is depressed the key is to get him/her into treatment.  As with any medical illness, education and support are essential elements of a treatment plan.


TALK TO SOMEONE

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988

For All Seasons  - Hot Line 800-310-7273: Therapy, advocacy, and education to victims of rape, sexual assault, and abuse.

Channel Marker Regional Wellness Center - 410-822-4611 Mental illness treatment and prevention programs, wellness support and community services to individuals and their families.

White Lotus Holistics- 443-786-7108 Energy therapy, Intuitive Guidance, Reiki, Craniosacral therapy, Meditation

Halo Wholistics- 410-310-3717: Acupuncture and Natural Health

Peace of Mind - 410-690-8181: Counseling, Therapy

Life Counselng Center - 410-822-6223 : Counseling, Therapy

Crisis Center - Hot Line 410-749-HELP (4357): Provides counseling for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, suicide prevention, support group, emergency shelter, shelter referral, medical care, and assistance with the process of prosecution.

Maryland Crisis - Hot Line 800-422-0009: Crisis intervention, support, and referrals.  If you are not in Maryland, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence - 800-927-4673: Provides direct services for victims of family violence including a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, support groups, emergency shelter, client advocacy, children’s program, court accompaniment, information, and referral.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) Hot Line 800-PPDMOMS (773-6667): Provides peer support and referrals for mothers suffering from postpartum depression.

Trevor Project Crisis Line 1-866-488-7386: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

Veterans Crisis Lines 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 or 1-877-VET2VET (838-2838) The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline.  In addition, the peer counselor will help the soldier or veteran navigate the complex VA system.