When you’re a teenager, you’re expected to have things all figured out. In the movies, the teen years are shown as the best years ever. Filled with friends, family, loads of opportunities, and just overall ease. It’s not always like that. As a matter of fact, it’s rarely easy. 

Between school work, managing a social life, and growing as a person, we get stressed. And the stress piles up.  We don’t know how bad it gets until we hit rock bottom or feel ourselves sinking. 

A common misconception is that when life is “good,” you can’t be affected by depression. That if someone looks okay, then they are okay. Now, depression isn’t always visible. It’s not someone wearing all black and hating the world; it can look like going to school and being completely normal. Anyone can go through it, but not everyone will show it. People learn how to mask their emotions. Masking is when someone hides their true feelings. Someone can act completely normal while having war inside their mind. 

Some common signs of depression can be: changes in appetite, feeling worthless, sleeping too much or too little, poor hygiene, poor concentration, loss of energy, no motivation to get anything done, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. It’s feeling lonely in a crowded room and feeling like you’re not enough, no matter who says you are. It can get confusing and heavy. 

Being depressed doesn’t make you weak or less than anyone else. It means you’re carrying emotions that you shouldn’t have to carry alone. And you don’t have to carry these emotions alone. 

Here are things that can ease the sadness: 

Music: Listen to happier songs. Listening to songs that are constantly reminding you of how sad you are won’t help you feel better. If you listen to some upbeat songs with good messages, you might feel better. Here is my favorite playlist to listen to when I am sad.

Exercise: Working out helps reduce stress and anxiety, giving your brain something else to think about while also helping you get stronger. It also helps build discipline, which can sometimes be needed when you feel lost. Having a set routine will help you feel more at ease and in control of your life. It’s also a confidence booster! 

Journaling: Sometimes we don’t want to talk to others about our emotions, which is totally understandable. With a journal, you can get all of your emotions out without having to actually talk about them. Journaling helps you reflect on what’s going on and think about ways to feel better. 

Small Routines: Alongside working out, having small routines helps you have/feel a sense of stability. You know you can go about your routine no matter what. 

Setting Small Goals: Having something to look forward to and work towards helps with that helpless feeling we often get. We’re able to work towards something and enjoy it when we finally reach our goal. 

Taking a Walk: Sometimes a walk in the park or around the block is all we need. Just a simple stroll can help you clear your mind and feel better. It can also help you sleep better!  

Put Your Phone Down: Get off of social media for a little bit. Oftentimes, teens will compare themselves to things or people they see on the internet, sometimes without even knowing. Trying to keep up with micro trends and fashion statements can make you feel like you’re falling behind or not doing enough. This just fuels your sadness. 

Professional Support: Seeing a therapist or even a counselor can help tremendously. They can provide tools, guidance, and resources that can help you. They want to help you feel better and can really help you understand why you feel the way you do. 

Our school counselors at PSC are Ms.Samuels (Room 434) and Mr. Ortega (Room 411). 

Other outside resources include: 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7) for mental health crises, emotional distress, or substance abuse concerns.

Teen Line: Call 800-TLC-TEEN (800-852-8336) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST, or text “TEEN” to 839863 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST for peer-based support.

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 for immediate, confidential help with any crisis.

The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678 for LGBTQ youth support.

National Runaway Safeline: Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat on their website.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it’s important to reach out and get help. The resources listed above are some helplines that will help lift the weight of the burdens you carry. Reaching out and asking for help can be hard, but a simple  conversation can help tremendously. You don’t have to face your sadness alone; you can find the light in your darkness.