Depression Quiz for Teens

What Is Clinical Depression?

When you feel depressed, you have what some people call the blues. It can last several days but then you begin to feel better. However, when you are depressed for more than several days with no end in sight, it is a sign of clinical depression. Clinical depression, or long-term depression, needs to be diagnosed and treated by a physician. Treatment may include therapy, medication or a combination of the two. Take our depression quiz for teens below to find out if you are suffering from more than the blues and need help.

Depression Quiz for Teens

The following depression quiz for teens is designed to help you identify signs of long-term depression.

1. Are you able to sleep through the night?
2. Have you gained or lost weight recently, but not by dieting?
3. Have your grades gone down since the last grading period?
4. Do you feel irritable?
5. Do you feel worthless or insignificant?
6. Is it difficult for you to concentrate on your schoolwork?
7. Have you quit enjoying things that used to bring you pleasure?
8. Do you feel angry or anxious but don't know why?
9. Do you feel tired all of the time?
10. Have you started or increased use of drugs or alcohol?
11. Do you entertain thoughts of suicide?

If you answered "yes" to two or more of these depression quiz for teens questions, you need to talk to your parent or a trusted adult for help. Depression can lead to serious consequences, especially if you are thinking about suicide. If you feel you have no one to talk to about your thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. They have counselors available to speak with you 24/7.

Causes of Depression

There are many causes of depression, from troubles with your family to things that go on in school or at your job. Depression may also be caused by other factors that most people never think about. Things that can cause depression include:

• Traumatic experiences that may have occurred when you were young. Typical depression triggers include abuse and incest, especially when the offender denies it ever happened.
• The death of a loved one, divorce or breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend can cause deep feelings of loss.
• Hormone or physical changes
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Stress or results of Peer Pressure
• Allergies to milk, wheat and sugar
• Genetic predisposition; a close relative has been diagnosed with clinical depression
• Substance abuse can cause changes in the chemistry of your brain

Treatments for Depression

There are many treatments for depression including various therapies and medications. Since everyone is different, each patient is treated individually. Your physician will determine which treatment is best for you. Some forms of treatment include the following:

• Cognitive behavior therapy helps individuals suffering from depression by teaching them to change their negative thought process.
• Group or family therapy helps individuals cope with depression by talking with others who share similar problems.
• Exercise
• Medication
• Volunteer work where you can focus on helping other people through a difficult time
• Hospitalization
• Special schools or boot camps for troubled teens with similar problems

Conclusion

If you feel that you need help after taking the depression quiz for teens, contact a trusted friend or relative who will listen and get you the help you need. A school nurse, counselor, teacher or your parents are good choices when seeking assistance. Don't wait to get help, especially if you are having suicidal thoughts or thinking of hurting someone else.

Don't be afraid to get help. The treatment programs can be as interactive or private as you feel comfortable with. No physician or counselor will add stress to your situation by making you do something you are uncomfortable with. Your depression may be related to something as simple as your diet, but you won't know if you don't ask for help.

Talk to someone about your feelings. You don't have to go it alone. There are counselors that have been through the same things you are going through and they would love to help you out. Many crisis centers are available just to talk, and you won't have to give out your name unless you want to. Take control of your depression before it takes control of you..