Reach out & find answers
Celebrities and everyday heroes
Discounts & savings
Teen news & events
About WARM2kids
Mental Health
Mood Disorders
Depression
Online Resources
Offline Resources
Mental Abuse
PTSD
Self-Injurious Behavior
 
 HomeDiscussionsStoriesDefinedSymptomsTreatments 
What is Depression?
Depression is a disorder that involves a patient’s body, thoughts, and mood. It's more than having a bad day and goes beyond sadness. It's also not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Youth suffering from clinical depression cannot simply "snap out of it." Depression is a brain disorder (mental illness) that affects the whole person-it affects the way one feels, thinks, and acts. Early-onset depression can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide. However, it is highly treatable.

There are three types of Depression:

  • Major Depression (Clinical Depression): characterized by excessive sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation and hopelessness.
  • Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder): characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability (mania) countered by classic major depressive symptoms.
  • Dysthymia (Dysthymic Disorder): a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression characterized by a chronic, low-grade, depressed or irritable mood.
Quick Facts
  • Almost 1/3 of 6 to 12-year-old children diagnosed with major Depression will develop bipolar disorder within a few years. (AACAP,1995)

  • 4 out of every 5 runaway youths suffer from Depression. (U.S. Select Committee on Children, Youth & Families)

  • Once a young person has experienced a major depression, he or she is at risk for developing another Depression within the next five years. (CMHS, 1996)

  • Many children with Depression have one or more other major psychiatric diagnoses. Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse, and ADHD are frequently associated with childhood Depression.
  •  
     
    The Source | Role Models | Get Stuff | Your World | At WARM
    Tour | Get Help | Login

    Terms and Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy
    Copyright © 2003 WARM2Kids, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The information provided on this site should not replace your physician’s advice.