KAWWAI According to international statistics, depression is an epidemic, with

teenagers and youths in their early twenties being especially vulnerable. Almost 8% of
teenagers are affected by depression, with suicide being the second leading cause of
death among adolescents worldwide. Research has also found that more than one third
of young people who struggle with depression don’t seek help at all.

Overall, one in seventeen people suffer from Major Depressive Disorder at some point
in their lives - and the number of people diagnosed with depression right now? 350
MILLION. Making it the leading cause of disability in the world.  

IT’S A BIG DEAL

The struggle is real. Depression has more than just an effect on your emotions. If
untreated, some of its other effects include:

 A reduced ability to cope with work, school, and daily life

 A negative impact on existing and future relationships
 Substance abuse
 Eating disorders
 Other mental health issues
 Self-harm and suicide

SO WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression (or Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious medical illness
that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It is more than just feeling sad,
depression affects a person’s ability to navigate daily activities, relationships, school
and work, and often decreases their quality of life.

If you’re depressed, you may feel like you’ve lost all hope and worth, and that nobody
understands what you’re going through. You may even feel ashamed of yourself - but
you don’t have to! Depression can happen to anyone and it is not something that you
should be ashamed of. You’re not alone and there is hope, there are plenty of things
you can do to help yourself start to regain your balance and feel more positive,
energetic, and hopeful again.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression: A combination of symptoms lasting more than

a week might indicate a mental health condition
 “I’m really tired of feeling hopeless and worthless. But above everything else, I’m just tired of being so tired.”

Emotional Signs

 Angry outbursts, irritability, or restlessness

 Avoiding friends and activities they once enjoyed
 Feeling sad, empty, numb, hopeless, helpless, or worthless

“I think I’m just afraid to be happy. Every time I get too happy, something bad happens.”

Physical Signs

 Changes in energy level (tiredness)

 Changes in eating (overeating or eating too little)
 Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
 Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly
 Being unable to complete tasks
 Sudden decrease in school or work performance

Serious Signs
*If you or anyone else exhibits these signs, please seek help immediately

 Thoughts or plans to kill or hurt oneself or others

 Running away from home