Don’t depress the facts of depression

by Fran Armstrong

Depression is large problem plaguing many high school students today. In fact, if you look around a typical honors classroom, you would be surprised at how many students are actually dealing with depression. Teenagers hide it well, but the tougher the classes that students take, the more likely they are to be depressed.

Depression is a huge issue in our school system today, but many parents pass it off as normal. Untreated depression can become severe, and even result in suicide. The longer you let depression stay, the harder it is to ward away. Most people who have not dealt with depression think that once it stops, it is gone forever, but in reality, once you get depressed, you will have to fight it the rest of your life.

Many students in advanced placement classes are put under such pressure from their parents that they slide into a deep depression when no one is looking. The happiest and most upbeat kids are usually the ones you would least expect to be depressed, but often are. Looking at the student body, the valedictorian, the extremely energetic mascot or the socialite who is striving for Harvard may be among students who are depressed.

Depression is a secret topic that many high school students prefer to keep to themselves in fear of being judged by their peers. Several of my own friends that I have known almost all of my life have recently revealed that they are clinically depressed and take medication to help with their depression. They have been going to therapy for several years and keeping it a secret from their friends. When I found out, the only emotion I felt was genuine surprise. Within the last month, I have found out that at least four of my fellow classmates are currently battling depression.

The most important question that parents should be asking is, “How do I realize that my child is depressed?” A few of the tell tale signs are: losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable, lack of or increased appetite, losing or gaining weight without trying, crying and sleeping more frequently, a drop in grades, and seeming withdrawn or irritable. If your child shows any of these signs, make sure to talk to them and introduce them to a therapist or school councilor that they can talk to.