Depression / Question
Published: May 23, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My boyfriend moved 15 hours away. I was wondering if I am depressed. What are some signs of depression?
Signed: Am I Depressed?
Dear Am I Depressed?,
It must be very difficult for you to be separated from your boyfriend, especially if he moved 15 hours away. It is very normal for you to feel sad and upset when someone you enjoy and see often is no longer in the immediate area.
TeenHealthFX cannot tell you if you are depressed or not, but some signs of depression are:
- frequent sadness or irritability
- decreased energy
- decreased interest in usual activities
- decreased or increased appetite
- difficulty with sleep (sometimes too much or not enough)
- lack of concentration (decline in school grades)
As said earlier, some of what you may be feeling can be normal. Sometimes though, you may have sad feeling for a longer period of time. Depression is an illness with a biological basis that may start during the teen years (about 15% does).
If you are feeling down, you really need to talk to someone about this, like your parents, doctor, school nurse or school counselor. If you are depressed, you may need to speak to a therapist and your doctor can give you a referral.
If you feel like you are out of control, cannot deal with life or are in danger of hurting yourself, please seek immediate assistance. If you live in Northern New Jersey, call the 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at (973) 540.0100. If you live outside Northern New Jersey, call the National Hope Line at (800) SUICIDE.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. 
