What depression looks like
Depression is more than just this emotion
sadness
This brain area helps with planning and decision-making
prefrontal cortex
Many boys are taught to show this emotion instead of vulnerability
anger
This often improves mood even before motivation shows up
movement / exercise
If someone stays in bed all day, depression usually gets better or worse?
worse
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy is called this
anhedonia
This brain area can become overactive and increase defensiveness
amygdala
“I don’t care” can sometimes be covering this
pain / sadness / shame / depression
Morning exposure to this can help mood and sleep rhythm
sunlight
What is one thing fully outside your control?
parents, past events, other people, etc
Sleeping too much, isolating, and “not caring” can be signs of this
depression
Low activity in this reward chemical can make nothing feel enjoyable
dopamine
Why might anger be easier to express than sadness?
social conditioning / feels safer / less vulnerable
Doing actions before you feel ready is called this treatment style
behavioral activation
What is one thing still in your control?
effort, honesty, choices, skills, routine, response
Depression can sometimes look like this emotion instead of sadness
anger / irritability
Long-term stress can raise this hormone and drain energy
cortisol
Blaming only parents can sometimes prevent this
personal growth / ownership / healing
Therapy approaches commonly used for depression include these two
CBT and DBT
Name one habit that can worsen depression long-term
isolation, substance use, avoidance, no sleep routine, doomscrolling
Why might someone look “fine” but still be depressed?
masking / hiding symptoms / high functioning
Why can depression make starting tasks feel harder?
reduced motivation / prefrontal underactivation / low energy
Name one hidden emotion anger can cover
hurt, fear, loneliness, rejection, shame, sadness
Why is waiting to “feel motivated first” a trap?
motivation often follows action, not the other way around
What is one small action someone could take today to fight depression?
shower, walk, group participation, text someone, clean room, journal, etc