adminproblems are usually easy to notice because the signs and symptoms are usually out there. But with mental health, it is a difficult situation altogether. People suffering from depression often do not realise it, so let us do a quick check.
Are you experiencing any of the emotions and reactions?
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
It is normal to experience some of the above some time, but if you are going through more than four over a period of more than two weeks, then you may be in trouble.
In addition, you may also have some or all the following issues in your life:
- Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student.
- Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help.
- Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to “self-medicate” their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse.
- Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness.
- Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape from their problems. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed.
- Reckless behaviour. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviours, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex.
- Violence. Some depressed teens (usually boys who are the victims of bullying) become violent.
So if you think you or some teen you know may be depressed the question is what can you do about it. Where do you go for help?
Unfortunately in Zimbabwe we have very limited options. The psychiatric services in public hospitals are overwhelmed and understaffed and they mostly deal with people who are certified as insane rather than those who are depressed.
The best thing is to find a mentor who can help you get through the issues that are depressing you. A mentor is someone who offers you guidance through life.
It can be a relative, a teacher, a church counsellor, the elder sibling of a friend, in fact anyone. The mentor has to be someone you can trust, who will not reveal your confidences.
They also have to be someone that you admire, whose advice you are willing to take. But most of all a mentor should be able to listen to your story without judging you.
So for 2013, make one of your key resolutions be the need to take care of your mental well-being so that you can achieve all your other goals.
Gina Tee out!
Information sourced from helpguide.org
Online Reporter