What is it?

Major depression is a mood problem where severe and long lasting feelings of sadness or similar symptoms get in the way of a person’s ability to function.

What causes it?

A number of factors may contribute to someone experiencing depression. Genetics may well play a role. A deficiency in the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine may also be the cause of some symptoms of depression. Individuals with certain personality types (easily overwhelmed by stress) or that have been subjected to various forms of abuse may also experience depression in varying degrees of severity.

How do you know when someone has it?

Children and adolescents may manifest depression in different ways than adults. When any of the following are severe enough to cause distress or disrupt normal functions, parents should seek help for their son or daughter:

• Sadness or crying that is frequent
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Less interest in activities, even those that were previously favorites
• Regularly bored with little energy
• Little interaction or communication with others
• Poor self esteem and feelings of guilt
• Highly sensitive to failure or rejection
• Irritable, angry, or hostile
• Problems with relationships
• Increased complaints of illnesses like headaches or stomachaches
• Increased school absences and/or poor performance in the classroom
• Reduced concentration
• Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
• Threats or attempts to run away
• Thinks or talks about suicide
• Other self destructive behaviors

What can happen to people with Depression?

While major depression might be a one-time event for some people, for the majority of sufferers, it is an illness with a real risk of repeat episodes. This is Recurrent Major Depression. When an individual experiences recurrent depression, generally the symptoms will disappear between episodes, although for some there can be lingering symptoms in between occurrences. Because all depressed individuals, including children and adolescents, are a higher suicide risk, all depression episodes must be taken seriously. Additionally, depressed adolescents and adults may turn to alcohol or to other drugs as a way to break out of the depression and to feel better.

How do you help a loved one suffering from Depression?

Depression is a real illness that requires professional help. The good news is that it can be treated. Diagnosing an individual early and then providing proper therapy and medical treatment are critical. Full treatment often will include individual as well as family therapy. Antidepressant medication may also be used. Other medicines that may also be used include lithium, stimulants, anti-psychotics, or mood stabilizers.

How CERTS helps those with Depression

CERTS therapists use a combination of therapy, appropriate medication, and special activity to treat adolescents experiencing major depression. This is part of the CERTS formula of balancing outstanding clinical therapy, experiential therapy, and education in order to change lives.

Adolescents receive regular therapy from therapists with experience in working with depression. Experiential therapy programs (such as equine therapy) offered at the facilities have also proven helpful. A fun and challenging academic education enhances self-esteem and encourages students to rediscover the joy of learning while they clinically stabilize. To learn more about which CERTS program can best offer the help you may require, please contact a CERTS admissions counselor at 801-755-8802.

Learn More About Depression

American Psychiatric Association
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
New York Presbyterian Hospital