Although most like to avoid the topic of mental health, depression is a very real, and very dangerous issue. Imagine waking up every day in a constant state of exhaustion, or being unable to sleep for weeks, or even months at a time. You find it hard to get out of bed, and the only thing keeping you going is the thought of your friends. Imagine finding it hard to continue doing the things you love, or being unable to smile without forcing or faking it.

People who deal with this on a daily basis are weighed down by the thoughts in their brain, and they may not be able to ask for help. That is why we need to reach out to those who are in those rough patches, and why we need to try to help them as best as we can. 

The 7 Major Signs of Depression

• Acting abnormal
• Being very tired all the time
• Losing interest in normal activities
• “Blowing off” your friends (not doing anything with them)
• Seeming like they are lost in their head
• Being upset or irritated for no reason
• Are more likely to make self deprecating or sometimes hurtful jokes towards themselves/others

We understand, professional help can be expensive, but even confiding in even a friend is good. We understand everyone says this, but confide in a trusted adult. It can be terrifying. It feels like you’re opening up way too much and pouring your problems onto them, but we want to help. You may feel like you are being a bother, or are acting like a burden, and we assure you, we’re here to help.

Talking can help just get it all out and relieve yourself of all the things that are just too much- even writing about or drawing your thoughts and feelings could help. Just getting them out in a smart and healthy way is very important. If you feel that you are unable to talk to someone, try finding another way to release the pressure. Drawing or writing your emotions can help.

As someone who has personally dealt with depression in the past, I thought I could handle the burden alone. I thought that no matter how bad things get, no matter how hard it is to keep going, that I could do it myself. One day, I told my closest friend, one who I could trust, and I felt better. She motivated me to go to a therapist, and we met almost every week during school hours. Little by little I felt better. It took me a year, but I finally felt happy: finally felt good enough to realize I can make it. It just takes time to get better. – Kenia O’Neal, 2019

In times of hardship, we as friends or family members are prone to helping each other out, but it is important that we recognize that we have our limits and that there is only so much we can help with. Sometimes, the only way to help is to recommend them to get professional help. It’s believed that in order to go see a therapist you have to have a big issue, or mental troubles, but this is not true. Therapist deal with all levels of troubles.

In conclusion, there are many ways that you or a loved one can get help, whether it’s through journaling, art, or talking to a peer counselor, school counselor, or friend: they are all ways to help yourself if you can’t afford therapy. In the end, you are always worth the time, money, or whatever you need to get better. You deserve it, don’t let yourself say otherwise.

How to Contact and Make an Appointment for our School Crisis Counselor:

To find her you can ask a teacher or fill out the form in the counselor’s waiting room, you could have a parent call to make an appointment or you could fill out a consent form that she has in her box outside her door. You must have a parents signature. 

You don’t have to have a mental illness to go to her, if you just want to talk to someone, you are able to and there is nothing wrong with just wanting to talk to someone. 

School Crisis Counselor Contact Information:

Name: Tiffany Blair

Number: 443-214-3625

Email: [email protected]

Available in school on Mondays and Wednesdays

Peer Recovery Coaches: Aaliyah Painter, Alexis Sloan, Abby Tharp, Alyssa Snyder

Here is the line to call if you or a loved one needs it:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

WEBSITES:

https://www.psycom.net/how-to-find-affordable-therapy/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/depression-hotline-numbers/