I was diagnosed with depression in 2011. Before my diagnosis, I thought there was something wrong with me. This is the case with most people who suffer from depression. They think there is something wrong with them, which causes these people to become distant from others. My mother was the first person to realize there was something off. She took me to see the doctor and next thing I knew I had a diagnosis of depression and new medicine to take. I was just happy to know why I was feeling the way I was.

According to psychcentral.com there are at least 20 percent of teens that suffer from depression before they even reach adulthood. There are only 30 percent of teenagers with depression who are being treated for their illness. Stress is a major trigger for depression. Eighty percent of teens with depression can be successfully treated for their depression if they find the right help. With the right help depression is controllable and it does not have to be a lifetime struggle. I am hoping that by sharing my story and some red flags that could mean a friend or loved one has depression could save someones life, or at least get them the help they need.

Some of the main warning signs of depression are as follows:

Sadness or hopelessness

Low self-esteem

Sluggishness (less active than normal)

Substance abuse

Spending more time alone (including time away from parents and friends)

Decrease in their desire to do things they love to do (Sports, activities, hobbies)

Physical ailments (headaches, appetite problems, sleeping problems)

Problems in school (failing grades, getting in trouble, not paying attention in class)

*Talking about death or suicide (never to be taken lightly)*

Not caring about appearance

Running away from home

A person with depression could have a few or even all of these symptoms. If you know someone where any of these warning signs apply please get them the help they need. Who knows where I would be if my mom had never taken me to the doctor to get the diagnosis. Most people do not understand what it means to have depression, so if you are feeling lost make sure you go to get some help from a professional.

Not all of your friends will understand what it means when you say you have depression, but if they are a true friend they will do their best to help you and understand what you are going through. Just know you are never alone, no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel you are not alone. There are so many people all over the world who are going through the same thing you are and they feel like they are alone too, but the truth is you are never alone! There is always someone out there who is going through the same thing, you just need to look.