We all have times when the things going on for us make us a bit down. Most of us bounce back quite quickly , but somethings these downs start to build up and go on for a long time (at least two weeks) pushing us into depression, which affects our behaviour and understanding of things; it also has a physical and emotional impact on relationships, study or work.
Depression is an illness and isn’t a sign of weakness, or failure, or a result of not coping, the not coping is the result of the depression.
Depression can be treated and beaten, you don’t have to feel that way forever.
| This short film looks at how one person described depression affecting them, maybe it will help you understand how you feel, a bit better | ||||
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Here are some ideas that you might find helpful |
These are some places you can find more help |
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| Talk with your Doctor (G.P.) – they may suggest things you can do to help yourself, or may suggest a referral to the mental health service; however there are long waiting lists and there is lots you can do to improve things whilst you are waiting to be seen. Drug treatments for depression in young people are generally a last resort, as they can interfere with natural teenage brain chemistry and development.Talk with your school nurse – they are trained specially to help with issues like this
Talk with a school counselor if you have access to one or ask the Young Carers Lead in your school if you can access SCAFT’s One2One service, if you are not already doing so Have a look at our Self-Help Tools Page |
www.kooth.com – Free Confidential Online Counseling for young people
www.youngminds.org.uk – An absolute goldmine of information for children and young people about staying mentally healthy, as well as lots of useful stuff for parents too www.childline.org.uk – Counseling and advice for children, young people and parents on a whole range of mental health and wellbeing issues www.studentsagainstdepression.org – Information and resources validated by health professionals, along with tips and advice from students who have already experienced these difficulties and made it through. www.healthtalk.org – A useful resource for young people and parents containing real-life interviews with young people who have experienced a wide range of lifestyle and mental health issues and made simple changes to improve their lives
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