You already know that your school years can be quite complicated and demanding. Sometimes deep down inside you are not quite sure of who you are, what you want to be, or whether the choices you make from day to day are the best decisions. Sometimes the many changes and pressures you are facing seem to overwhelm you. If you know someone like this, your friend might be suffering from depression. As a friend, you can help.
Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person.
In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. We don't know all the causes of depression yet, but there seems to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Difficult life experiences and certain personal patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed. Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It will affect more than 19 million Americans this year.