Empty. Worthless. Wrong. You call yourself these words day after day, not understanding why or how you became stuck in a vicious cycle of sadness; you are not alone. 

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, nearly eleven percent of American adolescents have a depressive disorder by age eighteen. The Center for Disease Control conducts the Youth Risk Behavior Survey every two years, surveying randomly selected students across the country. In 2011, twenty-four percent of students surveyed in Memphis alone “felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row so that they stopped doing some usual activities during the twelve months before the survey.”

In this same year, twelve-and-a-half percent of Memphis teenagers surveyed said they “seriously considered attempting suicide,” while nine percent said they actually tried to take their own lives.

Millions of teenagers in the United States suffer from depression every year, but many go undiagnosed due to improper education or fear of expressing their feelings.

The causes of depression vary greatly depending on each specific case. Stress from school, family life, and even the dreary winter weather can lead to feelings of constant grief and hopelessness.

In many circumstances, teens are unable to recognize their condition, or they simply won’t accept the possibility of having a disorder. However, depression is more common than one might think, and it certainly isn’t anything to be ashamed of.

Symptoms of a depressive disorder include anxiety, excessive guilt, feelings of hopelessness, trouble concentrating, loss of interest in regular activities, rapid weight gain or loss, and unusual sleeping habits. Having a history of depression in one’s family can also play a major role in developing the disorder.

Do not be afraid to talk with a close friend or adult if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Teachers, guidance counselors, and school police officers are all able to help. White Station also has a psychologist and two social workers available to work with students.

Although battling depression can be intimidating, it is not impossible. Numerous medications can minimize symptoms, and talking with a psychiatrist is completely normal. Simple activities like exercising regularly, regulating your sleep cycle, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can all significantly improve depression as well.

However, if you begin having thoughts of harming yourself or others, do not let your symptoms go untreated.

Thirteen young people commit suicide every day in the United States, which translates into one life lost every two hours. Do not let yourself be another.

Telling others about your emotions can be extremely difficult, but it could help save your life. Hotlines such as Befrienders Worldwide (1-800-273-TALK) connect distressed teens all over the globe with anonymous local professionals.

Having thoughts of self-harm or harm to others does not make you a bad person. If someone you confide in condemns your feelings or actions, find a different friend or adult. In drastic cases, you may not trust yourself alone. Surround yourself with family and peers, or stay in public areas.

Always remember that there is another solution. Suicide, self-harm, or other acts of violence often seem like a last resort; however, you must push through.

You are valuable, and there is hope.