J-14 Investigates: Depression
The mental illness is impacting young people across the country.
Selena Gomez shocked fans when, in the midst of her big musical comeback, she shared that she has been secretly battling depression. “I wasn’t able to keep a smile on my face or keep things in my life looking normal,” she opens up. Last year, Selena says she finally sought help and was officially diagnosed with depression. “The moment I received that information, I was relieved I finally had the knowledge of why I had suffered for so many years and I began to face it head-on,” she reveals. “I was able to get help from the greatest doctors and psychiatrists and although it has not all gone away, I can say that after a year of a lot of intense work I am happier, I am healthier and I’m in control of my emotions and thoughts more than I’ve ever been.”
Selena’s brave revelation opens up a much bigger conversation on the realities of young people dealing with depression. To get more insight, we spoke with mental health expert and psychologist, Dr. Meghan Marcum.
J-14: Hi, Dr. Marcum. Can you tell us what it means to be depressed? Is it the same as being sad?
DR. MARCUM: They may seem like it, but no. Sadness is something everyone experiences, but depression is a complicated, ongoing mental health disorder. It drastically impacts your everyday life and can make you feel down and hopeless about your life.
J-14: Are there different types of depression?
DR. MARCUM: Yes, depression exists on a continuum from mild to severe. In mild cases, you might question what’s wrong with yourself and why you haven’t felt like you usually do. And with moderate depression, you and others can usually see a difference in your behaviors and will notice you aren’t as engaged in life as you used to be. Severe depression is the most extreme case. It often leaves people unable to get out of bed, results in severe problems at school and, sadly, often includes having thoughts about dying and suicide.
J-14: Depression often feels like something that only happens to older people. Is that true?
DR. MARCUM: Depression can affect people of all ages, not just adults. In fact, one in five teenage girls experiences at least one episode of depression.
J-14: What are some things that can trigger depression?
DR. MARCUM: Depression results from a combination of biological and environmental factors. It doesn’t usually happen because of a normal life event, like a getting a bad grade on an exam or if a date you go on doesn’t go so well — that feeling is sadness. A parent’s divorce, on the other hand, represents a major life change, so that can definitely be a contributing factor toward developing depression. Being bullied at school or feeling a lot of social pressure over time can also bring about symptoms of depression.
J-14: Would you say depression in teens is something that has increased over the years?
DR. MARCUM: We definitely have the research to show that depression in teens has been increasing. In fact, according to an analysis of data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, you can clearly see depression rates have gone up.
J-14: Is depression something that’s easy to snap out of?
DR. MARCUM: No, depression can be something that lasts for a few weeks for one person and for another person it could last for years. It’s not something someone can just snap out of by thinking positively or trying to ignore it. If people were able to snap out of depression on their own, we wouldn’t be seeing an increase in depression rates right now and it wouldn’t be the leading cause of disability across the globe.
J-14: How can our readers tell if they have a friend who is struggling with depression? Are there signs they can look out for?
DR. MARCUM: If you have a friend who’s struggling with depression, they will definitely act different. You might notice that they suddenly don’t like spending as much time with you as they used to and they might seem moody, really down and have a decreased appetite. Other signs include losing interest in things they previously enjoyed. For
example, if they always loved playing softball or singing in the choir and those things now seem uninteresting to them, that it could be a sign of depression. Dramatic changes in a person’s grades are also a sign because concentration will become difficult for them due to insomnia they might be experiencing from being depressed.
J-14: What are some ways someone can help their friend who is dealing with depression?
DR. MARCUM: The best thing you can do for a friend who is dealing with depression is to continue being a great friend to them. Many times, loved ones feel they don't know how to help someone battling depression, or they wonder if they might have done something to create distance in the relationship. It’s easy to misread those symptoms and take things personally, but just know if someone is experiencing depression, you aren’t the cause.
J-14: Is depression treatable?
DR. MARCUM: It is. The best course of action to take is to get professional help as soon as possible. If you know someone who is struggling with it, encourage them to talk to a school counselor or a therapist.