From the elderly generation to our adults and pregnant mothers, and even up to the teenagers, it is not something to toil with.
According to Google's dictionary, clinical depression can be defined as a mental health disorder characterised by loss of interest in activities or persistently depressed mood, causing significant impairment in daily life.
The major causes have not yet been discovered, as it is something that occurs as a result of a wide range of incidences and activities.
Some of the possible causes include a combination of psychological, biological and social sources of distress.
Additionally, some researchers suggest that these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
Depression is one of the major causes of suicide, and the rate is high among the younger adults.
According to Wikipedia, an approximate 1.3 million adults 18 and older attempted suicide in one year, with about 1.1 million of them making plans to kill themselves.
If you take a look at the younger teenagers, suicide is the third leading cause of death of individuals aged from 10 to 14. Both sexes are known to have different suicidal tendencies.
Now, what is the implication of this?
You as a parent pr guardian can be in the same house with your son or daughter of 14 years, and you hear of their suicide from the internet.It is very possible, and has been occurring. Teenagers are more open to their social media friends and followers, especially on Facebook.
Most times, we do not have to blame these young stars since it is the only place they assume they get help.
Some other ones who have been exposed opt for a phone counselling, while the rest seek solace in their inexperienced friends and colleagues.
While they might be able to get the help they are seeking for, an over the phone therapy will go a long way to go, but would never replace initial help that could have been given.
The problem now is, how can you as a teenager tell your parents you are depressed so you can get help?
No one can help you, except you let them know that there is something wrong.
Most times, our parents are overwhelmed with the tasks of living and providing for everyone that they might not even have the time to consider discussing your mental health.Depression and bipolar disorder weren't so prevalent ages ago, and the internet, hip hop and pressure from social media has done a really bad job in building it.
Parents think that all you need to bother about as a teenager are your education, and while they are not completely wrong, teenagers also watch their celebrity age mates with millions of YouTube subscribers and Instagram followers and want to be like them.
When things like these gradually slide you into depression, how can you help yourself get help from your parents??
• Show subtle signs
Don't go about pretending all is fine inside you when all is not, show your parents subtle signs that you need their help, and would love to get their audience.You can withdraw from activities you normally engage in, skip lengthy discussions, schools and religious activities and possible meals as the case may be.
Depression already comes with it's own related symptoms, and you have to play along with it if you must get help.
• Write them notes
Depending on the kind of parents or guardians you have, a note might do the job a great deal. Leave them notes somewhere they will be able to see.Their rooms might be the best idea if you have have sneaky siblings who will put their eyes into the notes also.
• Let them discover your diary
It might be a little invasion of privacy, but hardly would any parent resist the temptations of knowing how their children and wards are fairing through their diaries.You can drop it on their beds after sitting there as though they were forgotten or even on the dining table, sitting room cushion and anywhere else.
• Try getting tricky
You might borrow their mobile phones or computer, make some researches on depression and mental help, then leave the tab open as though you forgot them.Most parents won't check their browsing history after you use their devices, but will not be able to resist seeing the open tab and in most cases, will talk to you.
You can also consider telling them directly you have something you would love to discuss, and trust me most parents would give you audience.
Either ways, if things don't get as smooth as you imagined, don't forget that you can get help online, or even help yourself out.
Check out our next article on the treatment and management of clinical depression, and don't forget to drop us a comment and share to your friends.
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