Stress is characterized by feelings of tension frustration

Stress is characterized by feelings of tension, frustration, worry, sadness and withdrawal that commonly last from a few hours to a few days. Depression is both more severe and longer lasting. Depression is characterized by more extreme feelings of hopelessness, sadness, isolation, worry, withdrawal and worthlessness that last for two weeks or more. The finding that 9 percent of high school students are severely depressed is important since depression is the most important risk factor for suicide.

1. Death of a family member 2. Break up with boy/girl friend 3. Increased arguments with parents 4. Trouble with brother or sister 5. Increased arguments between parents 6. Change in parents' financial status 7. Serious illness or injury of family member 8. Trouble with classmates 9. Trouble with parents 10. Monetary or financial loss

Elevated Blood Pressure Sleep Pattern Disturbed Headaches Stress Weight Change Aching Neck Chronic Fatigue

Depression Irritability Hopelessness Stress Mood Swing Suicidal Ideation Helplessness

Impaired Concentration Forgetfulness Sexual Problem Stress Loss of Interest Increased Drinking Negative Self-Talk

Depression is a serious illness that can affect anybody, including teenagers. It can affect your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall health. Approximately 4 out of 100 teenagers get seriously depressed each year. Sure, everybody feels sad or blue now and then. But if you're sad most of the time, and it's giving you problems with: a) your grades b) your relationships with your family and friends c) alcohol, drugs, or sex d) controlling your behavior in other ways then the problem may be… DEPRESSION

You feel sad or cry a lot and it doesn't go away. You feel guilty for no real reason; you feel like you're no good; you've lost your confidence. Life seems meaningless or like nothing good is ever going to happen again. You have a negative attitude a lot of the time, or it seems like you have no feelings. You don't feel like doing a lot of the things you used to like -- like music, sports, being with friends, going out -- and you want to be left alone most of the time.

It's hard to make up your mind. You forget lots of things, and it's hard to concentrate. You get irritated often. Little things make you lose your temper; you overreact. Your sleep pattern changes; you start sleeping a lot more or you have trouble falling asleep at night. Or you wake up really early most mornings and can't get back to sleep. Your eating habits change; you've lost your appetite or you eat a lot more. You feel restless and tired most of the time. You think about death, or feel like you're dying, or have thoughts about committing suicide.

1. Persistent depressed, sad, anxious, or empty mood 2. Feeling worthless, helpless 3. Experiencing excessive or inappropriate guilt 4. Hopeless about the future, excessive pessimistic feelings 5. Loss of interest and pleasure in your usual activities 6. Decreased energy and chronic fatigue 7. Loss of memory, difficulty making decision 8. Difficulty in concentration 9. Irritability or restlessness or agitation 10. Sleep disturbances [difficulty in sleeping] 11. Loss of appetite and interest in food, or overeating 12. Recurring thoughts of death 13. Suicidal thoughts or actions

If you think you're depressed. . . TALK TO SOMEONE! If you are concerned about depression in yourself or a friend, TALK TO SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP. There are many people who you can talk to: a) Psychologist b) School Counselor c) Parents and/or Family Member d) Family Doctor e) Professional at a Mental Health Center Remember - Depression can affect people of any age, race, ethnic, or economic group.