TeenHealthFX - Answers - 14 YO Guy Wants To Know About Depression Pills

Depression / Question
Published: January 8, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm a 14 year old guy and I was wanting to know about depression pills. My little sister has had to take them before and she never seems sad or anything, so it seems like they work pretty good. Are they supposed to make you appear happy or do they really make you feel better? Also, my mom has had a nervous breakdown before, so I was wanting to know if my being depressed has something to do with my mom? Anyway, how would I be able to get some? Are they perscribed by a therapist or over the counter or what? Thanks

Signed: 14 YO Guy Wants To Know About Depression Pills

Dear 14 YO Guy Wants To Know About Depression Pills,

It seems like this is a difficult time for you, especially with your experience with what your sister and mom had to go through. But you never really mentioned how you are feeling at the moment.

Everyone feels sad, "blue," or discouraged occasionally, but usually those feelings do not interfere with everyday life and do not need treatment. However, when the feelings become overwhelming and last for weeks or months, it is a sign that you may be depressed and may need some treatment to help them.

There are other warning signs of depression such as the following:

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)
A sense of hopelessness

If you are going through these, TeenHealthFX suggests that you speak with a trusted adult like a teacher, counselor, school nurse or a doctor. A doctor or a mental health professional can diagnose depression.

Depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. When the supply of these "chemical messengers" are low, nerve cells cannot communicate effectively, leading to the symptoms of depression. It is not something we inherit from our parents, although seeing your mother going through some difficult time may have contributed to what you are feeling right now.

Once a person has been diagnosed with depression, treatment may consist of drugs which can "increase" the number of the "chemical messengers". They can be used alone, or in combination with counseling methods such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Antidepressant drugs help reduce the extreme sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in life that are typical in people with depression, and they have been proven to work in people who are truly depressed and needs them. Your sister's feelings have improved because of the anti-depressants action. Again, if you think you are depressed, contact a health professional. Anti-depressants are not available over the counter, and are only prescribed to those who really need them.

There is help available for no matter what is troubling you, all you have to is to reach out. If you cannot speak with someone you know, try one of these options - if you would like help finding a therapist and you live in northern New Jersey you can call the Access Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400 or if you live outside of northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website.

Signed: TeenHealthFX