What is depression?
Depression is a serious problem for students. Common features include hopelessness, sadness, irritability and anger, isolation, withdrawal and worthlessness.
Young people do not often express their depression in a straightforward way and can show they are affected through passive or negative behaviors.
Most people, including children and adults, feel low occasionally. This is a normal reaction to events that are stressful or upsetting. It is even more common for teenagers to be affected by a range of moods, particularly feeling ‘blue’.
Signs of depression
Physical
- Sleep changes
- Appetite changes
- Lethargy or extreme tiredness
- Increased pain
Thoughts
- Negative thoughts
- Concentration problems
- Lack of interest
- Slowed down thinking
Behaviors
- Lack of engagement
- Quiet and withdrawn
- Possible self-harm
- Possible misuse of alcohol, drugs and other substances
Emotional
- Feeling sad
- Feeling numb
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling overwhelmed
Further information
If you want to know more detailed information about anxiety, here are some additional links for you:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-symptoms-and-warning-signs.htm
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/index.shtml
