Basic Overview Goes Here
Depression Screening: Take this online test to find out if you are depressed.
Symptoms or Signs of Depression
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Behavioral Symptoms |
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- Crying
- Social withdrawal
- Psychomotor retardation (slow movements)
- Clinging behavior
- Agitation/Fidgeting
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Affective (Emotional) Symptoms |
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- Sadness (inability to feel happy)
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Variation in moods (mood swings)
- Loss of interest in normally enjoyed activities
- Fear
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Cognitive (Mental) Symptoms |
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- Helplessness
- Worthlessness
- Indecision
- Self blame
- Negative self-concept
- Negative anticipation
- Thoughts of death or suicide
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Somatic (Physical) Symptoms |
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- Sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping too
- much)
- Menstrual irregularity
- Weight loss/Weight gain
- Sexual disorders (loss of interest, erectile dysfunction, difficulty achieving
- orgasm)
- Weakness
- Easy fatiguability
- Pain (usually headaches)
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How to Stay Spiritually Connected
- Pray often, and always as if your Heavenly Father was nearby.
- Study the scriptures from a personal point of view as your needs dictate, either topically or chronologically.
- Read a church book on a favorite topic.
- Take a walk in nature and appreciate the works of God.
- Listen to or read a Conference talk.
- Sing and listen to favorite sacred music.
- Take a religion class and participate in class.
- Realize that you are a child of God and have eternal worth.
- Participate in temple service.
- Forgive yourself and others.
How to Help a Friend
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Be able to tell facts from fiction |
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Myth: It's normal for teenagers to be moody; teens don't suffer from "real" depression.
Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic or economic group.
Myth: People who claim to be depressed are weak, and just need to pull themselves together.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder.
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help.
Myth: Telling another person that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person's ability or wish to get help. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with another trusted adult.
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Know the possible symptoms |
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- Sadness or "emptiness"
- Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt
- Helplessness or worthlessness
- Inability to make decision
- Inability to concentrate and remember
- Lost interest or pleasure during ordinary activities--like sports or talking on the phone
- More problems with school, friends and family
- Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up
- Appetite problems; weight changes
- Headaches, stomachaches, backaches, sore joints and muscles
- Restlessness and irritability--feels like anxiety
- Wants to be alone
- Skips classes and drops hobbies and activities
- Drinks too much and takes drugs
- Talks about suicide
- Talks about death
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What not to do |
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Don't dismiss your friend's feelings by saying things like "Just snap out of it."
Don't force someone to socialize, which can result in more feelings of worthlessness.
Don't agree with negative views. Negative thoughts are a symptom of depression.
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Three Empirically-Proven Interventions
1. Gratitude letter and visit:
Write a thoughtful, heart-felt letter of thanks to someone who has made a significant difference in your life (someone you haven't thanked before). If at all possible, deliver this letter in person.
2. Three good things
At the end of the day, look back and acknowledge three good things that happened during the day and acknowledge why they happened (in other words, "count your blessings").
3. Using signature strengths of character in novel ways:
Take the Values in Action Survey. Identify your personal strengths. Use them in novel (new) ways.
Resources
Information about Depression from the National Institute of Mental Health
Take care of yourself by keeping a balance in your life
Learn how to challenge faulty thinking that may contribute to depression.
If you are hard on yourself, check out this information on perfectionism.
Check out this information from the Mayo Clinic on how exercise eases the symptoms of depression.
