There is a difference between common sadness and clinical depression. Typical sadness comes and goes; it can be caused from drama,school, stress and being overwhelmed. However, depression is the constant feeling of hopelessness, anger, emptiness and sadness.

“A lot of times with depression, what you are seeing is a change in a person’s behavior,” Anne Brosnan, our school’s psychologist said. “That’s an indicator that there is probably something wrong.”

There are several things that can make someone to feel down. It could be a life-changing event, something that is greatly overwhelming, for example: divorce, changing schools or even a death.

Other times, there is no real explanation to why you feel depressed. “Sometimes too it can be other things that are harder to put your finger on. Sometimes it can be overwhelmed a lot of you guys are working really hard in advance classes and a lot going on,” Brosnan said. “You’re stressed in every which way.”

There is nothing wrong with being diagnosed with depression and it is important to know if you are someone you know are showing serious signs of depression. Common signs of depression include sleep problems,loss of interest in usual activities, talking negatively, poor memory and attempt of suicide.

Sleep problems

Depression can affect sleeping patterns. It can cause getting too much or too little sleep. It can be hard to get out of bed in the morning. You may wake up sad and lay in bed unable to figure out what is wrong.

Fatigue goes in hand with sleep and tiredness. During the day, serious exhaustion can interfere with daily activities. It differs from common tiredness from a long day. Fatigue is consistent and halts your motivation.

Loss of interests in usual activities

It’s possible to withdraw from activities one previously participated in and enjoyed. “They might start to withdraw and not want to spend time with their friends and family,” Brosnan said.

Change in eating habits and weight.

There could be a change in appetite and eventually affect your health. Having a loss or gain in appetite could cause weight gain and loss. This could lead to anorexia, binge eating or bulimia. Depression can affect the digestive system and cause nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and others.

Talking negatively

It’s not uncommon for people to be negative and talk negatively about things. However, there is a difference when someone is talking about feeling worthless and helpless in a serious manner.

“They might start saying things to let you know that they feel hopeless, down or sad,” Brosnan said. Sometimes, a depressed person does not want to tell another person directly how they feel. However, a serious sign is constant and serious talk about suicide and death.

Poor memory and concentration

According to Healthline, depression can cause short-term memory and forgetfulness. Poor concentration may occur making it difficult to focus on tasks, thinking straight and decision making.

Prevent suicide

A warning sign can be visible marks on their body which shows self harm. “One of the things people can do is give stuff away. Maybe if you knew somebody who had plans to go off to college and now they’re not talking about college anymore and how life is so hopeless and how you’re going not going to have a future,” Brosnan said.

“What all the adults in the building know is that you want to air on the side of caution because once somebody is gone, they’re gone forever. I think it’s important to reach out to someone when they think there is something wrong, you don’t want to make a mistake in that case,” Brosnan said. “Maybe you are misreading the signal and maybe that person is fine but it is certain best to reach out and be sure about it.”

If you are or anyone you know is going through any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek guidance immediately. If you can not reach out to family members about your feelings, talk to your friends or trusted adult.

“If you are concerned about somebody you need to intervene right away because that person needs to talk to you and talk to somebody right away. You need to let an adult know you can go to your teacher or counselor,” Brosnan said.

Mrs. Brosnan is always open to talking with students who need guidance. An additional option is calling an anonymous hotline such as, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

“There’s so many great resources in our community. You don’t need to be sad and you don’t need to be hopeless. The good thing about depression is that it’s very treatable and a lot of people feel better but you just have to do something about it. You have to speak up and you have to come forward,” Brosnan said.

There are people who want to and are willing to help you. You are never alone.