Depression

There is always that one student in our classroom who is so shy that they refrain from talking to anyone. Although people can sometimes disregard this behavior as being “depressed,” it is not
necessarily true that people who act in this
manner are suffering from the disorder. It’s a common misconception that extremely quiet students must be depressed; however, it’s not to say that depressed students aren’t often quiet. Many students believe that any of their peers who display
depression have problems of their own and, therefore, the mindset that “their problem isn’t our problem” emerges.
Depression is a troubling issue on the rise and is one of the leading factors of suicide in adolescents today. According to Princeton University, depression is
defined as “a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity.” In other words, it feels something like hopelessness, helplessness or even extreme sadness. However severe these feelings may or may not be—they should not be ignored.
In 2007, suicide due to depression was the third leading cause of death in people age 15 to 24. It is not hard for one to become depressed, especially with the constant pressures of society.
“These kids are becoming chronically depressed because nobody would talk to them. Some people think that they isolate themselves from everyone, but, actually everyone isolates those who are different from the norm,” said senior Lauren Cai.
Depression is a serious, potentially life-long issue facing teenagers that has been pushed aside of years. One of the best remedies for students who feel depressed is to simply talk to a trusted adult, friend or counselor about their feelings. Kids are ending their lives every day because of depression, so talk to someone who is sitting alone at lunch and maybe you can save a life.

By Features Editor Karolina Zydziak