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Free depression
care and counseling
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You know that these school years
can be complicated and demanding. Deep down, 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 threaten to overwhelm you. So, it isn't
surprising that from time to time you or one of your friends feels
"down" or discouraged.
But what about those times when
a friend's activity and outlook on life stay "down" for weeks and begin
to affect your relationship? If you know someone like this, your friend
might be suffering from depression. As a friend, you can help.
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| What Is a Depressive Disorder? |
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| A depressive disorder is an
illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It
affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels
about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A
depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood.
It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that
can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive
illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get
better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks,
months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help
most people who suffer from depression.
Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more
than the normal, everyday ups and downs.
When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for
more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical
depression. 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.
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| Is it serious? |
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Depression can be very serious.
It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy,
alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and
hopelessness. In the past 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers
and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide is often linked to
depression.
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