Am I depressed?

If you think you might be depressed, you will probably feel a presisten feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Depression affects how you think, feel and your behaviour. However, if you feel sad and you are not intrested in activities anymore that doesn't mean you are depressed. If you think you might be depressed you should see an expert and he will tell you for sure if you are suffering depression.

Symptoms:

Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason

Feeling hopeless or empty

Irritable or annoyed mood

Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters

Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends

Low self-esteem

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism

Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak

Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

Behavioral changes

Tiredness and loss of energy

Insomnia or sleeping too much

Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain

Use of alcohol or drugs

Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse

Social isolation

Poor school performance or frequent absences from school

Neglected appearance

Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors

Self-harm — for example, cutting, burning, or excessive piercing or tattooing

Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt

You don't need to have all of those symptoms to be depressed. If you have most of the symptoms, I encourage you to meet an expert. I know being depressed is not easy, however enjoy your life! You are so young and you have a lot to discover and learn! The symptoms and the behavioral changes have been writen by Mayo Clinic.