Q. Is it serious?

A. 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 last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide often is linked to depression.

Q. Are all depressive disorders alike?

A. There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities - like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.

Q. Can it be treated?

A. Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression - even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both. The most important step toward treating depression - and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help.

Q. Why don't people get the help they need?

A. Often people don't know they are depressed, so they don't ask for - or get - the right help. Teenagers and adults share a problem - they often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.


2. BE ABLE TO TELL FACT FROM FICTION.

Myths about depression separate people from the effective treatments now available. Friends need to know the facts. Some of the most common myths are these:

Myth: Teenagers don't suffer from "real" depression.

Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic group.

Myth: Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There's nothing anyone else can do to help.

Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychological therapy and medication is beneficial.
 

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