If you’ve ever been on campus or around college aged students, it’s not uncommon to hear the phrase, “This is making me depressed.” Major depressive disorder has become a running joke around college students as a way to cope with stress about school or family life.
However, depression is not a laughing matter. It is a serious mental health disorder that is rising exponentially across the teenage population. In 2019, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that 2.3 million people aged 12 to 17 years old had at least one major depressive episode in the past 12 months. Depression has become such a common topic of conversation that its severity has been diminished.
I think that depression is overlooked because it’s symptoms seem normal. When someone is having a bad day and feels sluggish, antisocial, and unmotivated, others around them don’t seem too concerned. However, when these feelings become continuous over a two week period, then there is cause for concern.
As advocated of mental health and concerned friends, it is important to watch behavior patterns of your loved ones. When something seems off or a behavior shifts, don’t be afraid to confront that person. Here are some signs to look out for that are associated with a major depressive episode:
1. Depressed most of the day almost everyday
2. Decreased interest or pleasure in hobbies or regular activities
3. Significant changes in diet
4. Changes in sleeping patterns
5. Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
6. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
7. Extreme indecisiveness
8. Recurrent thoughts or speaking about death and suicide
Being an advocate for those struggling with mental health disorders involves being informed. Just because a person experiences a few symptoms doesn’t meant that they are depressed. But, if you notice a significant change in personality or behavior, it is important to have an appropriate conversation with the person of concern. If you are not comfortable confronting the person yourself, you can always confide in a trusted adult.
Those suffering from major depressive disorder often put on a mask to hide their feelings so that other don’t know they are struggling. Be the person who picks up on their symptoms. Be the person who reaches out to help. Be the change. Save a life.
Mind Your Mind 