đź“š Depression 101
What is depression?
Depression is more than having a bad day. It can involve persistent sadness, emptiness, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure, and other changes that interfere with everyday functioning.
Name one situation that could make depressive feelings worse.
Friendship problems, family conflict, bullying, academic pressure, rejection, breakup, grief, loneliness, major changes, social media, lack of sleep, etc.
True or False: Someone with depression will always look sad.
False. Someone can smile, laugh, go to school, participate in activities, and still be struggling internally.
How is depression different from occasionally feeling sad?
Sadness is a normal emotion that often changes with circumstances. Depression involves a pattern of symptoms that persists and begins interfering with areas such as school, relationships, motivation, sleep, or daily activities.
Why might depression sometimes look like anger, irritability, or not caring in teens?
Teens don't always express depression as sadness. Some may become irritable, angry, withdrawn, easily frustrated, unmotivated, or emotionally numb.
Explain how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can create a depression cycle.
Example: “I failed my test” → “I'm stupid” → sadness/hopelessness → stop studying and isolate → fall further behind → feel even worse. Changing the thought or behavior can help interrupt the cycle.