If you think you may be experiencing depression, tell an adult you trust.
very intense but short-lived. For others, depres- sion can be less severe but last longer. According to the National Institute of Mental Health about 11% of teens experience a depressive disorder before the age of 18. Thinking about death and dying after someone you love has died is normal, but if you are think- ing about harming yourself or someone else, tell someone right away. Depression is nothing to feel embarrassed about or ashamed of, and help is available. Here are some signs that you may be experienc- ing depression: • You may continue to feel helpless and hopeless long after the death, and you don’t seem to be feeling any better at all. • You may be unable to do normal tasks such as getting up, getting dressed and going to school. • You may no longer participate in your favorite activities, nor do you want to do so. • You may stop eating or your appetite may increase. • You may sleep for long periods or may not be able to fall asleep. • You may feel like you cannot go on living, and you may think about suicide or hurting yourself. If so, please tell someone.
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