Since September is National Suicide Prevention Month, it's important that we talk about depression. About one in five in the United States, or about 3.6 million teenagers experience depressive episodes. In fact, those 12-19 are most likely to have depression compared to other ages due to the high pressures of school, family, and work. Into those that do have long states of depression, 20% of teenagers that have depression have suicidal thoughts and about 9% of teenagers with depression attempted suicide.
Considering the prevalence of depression in the modern age, you may see some of your friends experience depression symptoms.
Oftentimes, it may feel stressful, especially if you do not know how to help your friend through difficult times, which is why we wanted to help you assist your friends through hard times.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental disorder of a persistent state of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty in functioning in daily activities. It is not a moment of sadness, but a long period of time of sadness.
Causes of depression are diverse but there are some main factors that may affect a person’s susceptibility to depression.
- Family History - Depression can run in families and some people may face genetic risk of depression. However, there are other factors that have an influence as well.
- Personality - Those that worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are a perfectionist, struggle taking criticism, or are negative to themselves are at higher risk of depression.
- Medical Illness - Dealing with a serious illness may cause depression as chronic pain or the worry of coping may increase chances of depression.
- Life Events - Major changes in life such as a new school, abusive relationships, isolation, or prolonged schoolwork may cause depression.
Seeing Depression Symptoms in Your Friends
If you worry that your friend may be going through depression, here are certain scenarios that may indicate that your friend may need some extra support. This list is not final as everyone goes through different experiences, but may be able to help you determine a better idea of their situation.
- They speak or move slower than usual.
- They may experience physical pains such as headaches or stomach pains often.
- They tell you that they did not get enough sleep or say they are tired all the time.
- They have trouble focusing on tasks, remembering things, or cannot make decisions.
- They have a significant change of eating habits or they have significant weight loss or gain.
- They seem to not enjoy events or hobbies that they usually love or have fun at. Or they avoid social interactions and cancel plans last minute.
How to Help
- Create A Safe Space: Listen to your friend if they confide in you. Do not judge. Instead, be a good listener and validate their feelings. Even when they do not open up, do not rush them. Avoid giving unsolicited advice as you do not experience what they are going through right now. Depression is not something that can be cured by just “cheering up.” It is a long-term disorder that takes time to mend.
- Help Them With Daily Tasks: Often with depression, people may feel as if everything in their life is too much. However, if you take a step forward by helping them with their daily tasks, whether chores or schoolwork, the weight of life may feel lighter than it did beforehand. Depression makes people isolate themselves. If you are there alongside them, it will make your friend feel less alone.
- Encourage Them To Seek Help: If you come to a state where you can give advice, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Let family members or a supportive adult know the situation if your friend is comfortable with that and help research resources and places where your friend can help. Afterwards, encourage them to stick to their treatment plan.
- Suicide Risk: If you believe your friend is in risk of attempting suicide, seek immediate help. There is a risk of overstepping boundaries, however, overstepping is better than not doing something in your power to help. If your friend has told you “I am going to kill myself” or “I wish I was dead,” call or text 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If immediate, call 911 or local authorities. Make sure that your friend is safe, away from weapons or medicine that can be used harmfully.
Conclusion
Even though it is important to give your friend extra support when they have depression, make sure to take care of yourself as well. It is a lot of weight emotionally to help someone more than you are used to. You have to be well yourself before helping others. Set your boundaries and know yourself.
Resources:
It’s crucial to take any consideration of suicide, from yourself or a loved one, seriously and to seek support immediately.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor. The hotline is available 24/7 and offers free and confidential support.
- The Trevor Project: This organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. They offer a 24/7 hotline, online chat, and text messaging services. Visit their website to be directed to one of these services. Text ‘Start’ to 678-678 or call
- Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860 to be directed to a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis. They provide confidential emotional support, referrals, and resources
- Go Ask Alice: A question-and-answer site from Columbia University that covers a range of emotional health topics for young adults