Understanding Depression

Feeling sad sometimes is a normal part of life. But when sadness, emptiness, or loss of motivation lasts for weeks or longer, it may be a sign of depression.

Depression is a real mental health condition that affects how someone thinks, feels, and experiences daily life. It can make school, friendships, and everyday responsibilities feel overwhelming. The important thing to remember is that depression is treatable and support is available!

Signs of Depression & Persistent Low Mood:

• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time

• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

• Feeling tired or low energy even after resting

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)

• Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)

• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a burden

• Withdrawing from friends or family

• Irritability, frustration, or anger

• Thoughts of wanting to disappear or not be here

If any of these feelings last two weeks or more, it may be important to talk with a trusted adult or mental health professional.

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Myths vs. Facts About Depression

Myth: Depression just means you’re sad.

Fact: Depression affects mood, thoughts, physical energy, and motivation.

Myth: You should be able to “snap out of it.”

Fact: Depression is a mental health condition, not a choice.

Myth: Only adults experience depression.

Fact: Teens and young people can experience depression too.

Myth: Talking about depression makes it worse.

Fact: Talking about it often helps people feel supported and less alone.

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What Depression Can Feel Like...

( Emotionally, Mentally, & Physically )

When to Reach Out for Help...

You don’t have to handle depression alone.

Reaching out for support is a strong and important step.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, reaching out for immediate support is important.

Consider reaching out if:

• Your mood has been low for several weeks

• You feel overwhelmed or hopeless

• It’s hard to get through daily activities

• You feel isolated or alone

  
  

You can talk to:

• A trusted adult or family member

• A teacher, counselor, or school staff member

• A mental health professional

• A community support program (like us!)

Most importantly, remember:

Depression does not define who you are, and things can always get better with support.

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From A Counselor Who's Been There...

I’ve lived with what people would call "high-functioning depression" since around junior high. On the outside, I looked fine. I showed up, did well in school, stayed social. But internally, it was a completely different experience.

I grew up in a Hispanic family where the message (and one of our values) was to push through it, don’t complain, and show up no matter what. Things like:

“Perfect attendance is important.”

“Honor roll matters.”

“Don’t have a bad attitude.”

Mental health wasn’t really talked about, so I didn’t talk about it either.

There were days I’d wake up feeling almost paralyzed, but staying home wasn’t an option in my mind. So I pushed through. I made people laugh, stayed busy, and kept going. I also avoided being alone. I always had friends around because sitting with my thoughts felt overwhelming.

Around 15, I started underage drinking, and by 17 it became more common. It felt like an easy way to feel better and not have to try so hard to seem okay. But over time, my habits, the situations I put myself in, and my decisions started affecting my health and relationships.

In my early 20s, when I went to college, those unhealthy patterns got worse. Eventually, I got tired of it. Physically and mentally. Then COVID hit, and for the first time in a long time, I was forced (quite literally) to be alone with my thoughts. I was forced to slow down. That’s when I realized I couldn’t ignore my mental health anymore.

When things opened back up and we were allowed to go back to college in-person, I decided to make a change. I started learning about mental health, reducing some of my unhealth habits little by little, found a therapist, and began my healing journey.

It hasn’t been perfect because as we all have been told, healing isn’t linear — but I’ve now been in therapy for over 3 years, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve learned how to understand my emotions, manage my depression in healthier ways, and ask for help instead of isolating. I also work with a psychiatrist and take medication, which has helped me find more balance and manage my moods better.

Now, I prioritize my mental and physical health, and I’ve built a strong support system that I actually allow myself to lean on. This journey with my mental health is what inspired me to become a counselor. Being on the other side of therapy has given me a deeper level of empathy and understanding for those I work with.

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s this:

You don’t have to keep pushing through everything alone.

You don’t have to pretend you’re okay when you’re not.

Asking for help is not weakness. It’s strength.