Everyone knows that it’s a normal thing for teenagers to be moody. We have a lot going on in our lives right now. Whether this be dealing with sports, extracurricular activities, jobs, and even college. It can be very stressful to have to deal with all of this, but when it is more than just being moody and irritable? Could it be more? 

Experts say that issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, etc. are on the rise. Currently, one in five teens can be diagnosed with some sort of disorder, and identifying them is sometimes  difficult. This is because most teens are typically emotional. However, symptoms go farther than the average mood and behavioral change. 

Depression in teenagers is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. According to a recent report, diagnosing depression has increased by 33% since 2013. Statistics show that this rate is increasing even faster among the millennial. Depression in teen boys has increased by 47% and for girls, it has risen 65%. 

An episode of depression can last for at least two weeks and includes low moods that can be noticed in almost every situation. Teens will experience loss of interest, low self-esteem, sleeping issues, and may have trouble concentrating. Those that experience depressive episodes struggle with everyday activities like studying, working, eating, and sleeping. Those who experience depressive episodes are at the risk of experiencing another. 

Mrs. Marcia Bright is one of the guidance counselors at The Cascade High School. She deals with a lot of issues and helps students all throughout the day. She states that she spends at least a few hours each week helping students with personal issues. 

Our nurse, Natalee Hessler, states that utilizing the skills that we have like writing, breathing, talking, etc. can really help with issues that students may be experiencing in their lives. Talking to someone you trust and opening up to them can really help bring yourself back to normal when you are experiencing a depressive episode.

Hessler said, “People think ‘mental illnesses’ are taboo, when in reality, we are just people that have to learn a way of living.  Really if you get right down to it, just about every single person deals with some sort of mental illness whether they want to admit it or not.   I think if people knew that they weren’t always alone in their struggles and pain and we became more open about it, it might help people cope with their issues better.”

Ms. Allison Paradise, an English teacher at CHS, stated that when a student is normally outgoing in class but then become withdrawn, it is easy to see that there is something going on. However, it can be harder to tell with the normally quiet and shy students. Some symptoms include not getting their work done, laying their head down, etc.

Ms. Paradise has also stated that the best way to help someone with their struggles is to be there for them physically. She says that when someone is struggling that the best way to help is to hangout with them and tell them that you care and value them. Just sending a text message or a Snapchat may not be as effective as actually being there with them.