How Does Depression Feel?

As with any disease, all bodies experience things differently. For example, there is not a one size fits all for any diagnosis. Depression is one of those diagnoses. Many people experience depression. As of 2017, 13% of teens in America face depression. Their feelings and side effects, however, all can be different.

This ties into the idea of depression and side effects teens, or even adults, encounter. Depression plays a huge part in mental health. For example, a patient with depression may have anxiety. They may have a constant feeling of guilt. They may lack interest in activities that used to spark joy. Their behavior can be aggressive and irritable. They may lose sleep or crave it. The patient can be hungry all the time, or never want to put a plate in front of them. These are ideas the internet tells you. Sadness is a big concept. Depression is so much more than being sad for a couple of nights.

As a teen who experiences depression, these “symptoms” are similar to the feelings I have. Before I was diagnosed and got the help I needed, I tended to spend my days sleeping. An entire day would go by and I would wake up for dinner. Then go right back to bed. I also had a very hard time focusing. This affected my grades, and my poor grades led to so much more stress. Depression can lead to overthinking. When I wasn’t sleeping, I was overthinking everything. My mood, social life, and everything in between had been affected. I didn’t even realize it. I wasn’t looking for help, because I was unaware I needed help. It was when I went to the doctor seeking help for my focusing issue that I found the culprit. It was brought to my attention that concentration was a big part of my depression.

Young teens tend to get confused when it comes to serious stuff like depression. Many people believe that depression is only being sad, but it is so much more than that. Because of the lack of knowledge, many people don’t get the help they need. I didn’t even know that I needed help when I did.

Do I need help? Many students have so much on their plate. It can be hard to decide if you need help or not. For each individual, the best thing is to figure out why you feel a certain type of way. I was sleeping all day, but that never even sparked the idea that I might be struggling with a mental illness. Teens may also feel ashamed to even reach out for some sort of help. At the end of the day, your mental health is such a big part of your life. Always remember, to reach out and share feelings with those close to you. Help is right at your fingertips.