MSHS: Week 7, Day 4

One thing we know about sadness is that we all have it sometimes. Sadness comes and goes. But when sadness really takes hold, it can become depression.

One thing about depression is that if it lingers for very long, it can become difficult to pull ourselves out of it.

For your time today, let’s talk about how we might tell if a friend is truly depressed and how we can know, as friends, that we need to encourage our friend to get help.

Here is a list of signs of depression… let’s see how many you might have already known:

1. Sense of hopelessness

2. Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

3. Fatigue

4. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness

5. Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much

6. Irritability

7. Restlessness

8. Loss of interest in things once pleasurable

9. Overeating, or appetite loss

10. Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away

11. Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment

12. Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

13. Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Today – and always – notice whether any of these are true for someone you love, and realize that being the best friend in the world isn’t enough to help them get better. When it is at this point, we need to involve someone like (your school counselor, your school nurse) or some other adult that knows more about this and knows how to find us help.

Sometimes we need to ask for help, either for ourselves or someone close to us. There are many people around you who can help. Don’t be afraid to ask.