Are You At Risk For Depression?

If you or someone you love has ever struggled with depression, you probably know what an insidious illness depression is, but did you also know that depression is also a silent killer?

Not only does depression rob us of joy, vitality and productivity on a day-to-day basis, depression is the number one psychiatric diagnosis associated with suicide!

Kristi Hugstad understands the connection first-hand.

In 2012, after years of struggling with clinical depression, Kristi Hugstad’s husband committed suicide by running in front of a train.

Since then, Kristi has dedicated her life to helping to abolish the stigma of mental illness and suicide.

That mission is what inspired Kristi to write Beneath the Surface: A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out When You or Your Friend Is in Crisis. This book speaks candidly to today’s youth (and the parents, teachers, and coaches who love them) about the anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts that far too often accompany the unique challenges that face their generation.

Beneath The Surface is an insightful, inspirational, encouraging and highly practical book that I believe everyone should read! The information in this book could not only help you save your life, but also help you save the lives of the people you love.

To give you a taste of what Beneath The Surface is like, I’ve teamed up with
New World Library to bring you this excerpt from Kristi’s book.

I hope you enjoy this article and encourage you to spread the word about this important resource through social media!

Are You At Risk For Depression? An Excerpt from Beneath the Surface

Most children grow up thinking their home, family, and upbringing are “normal,” even when they’re not. Children and teens living in a home where one or both parents are depressed often don’t realize this isn’t the norm — though this situation is more common than you may think.

In fact, fifteen million kids in the United States have parents with depression.

As a result, these fifteen million kids are at greater risk of developing depression themselves. But depression can happen to anyone. It can occur after a trauma or during a stressful situation, or it can develop due to someone’s particular brain chemistry. Why someone develops depression is important, particularly if it’s due to situational or lifestyle factors, which can be changed. But more important than the why is the how. As in, how do you deal with depression? That is the real focus of this book because depression can put someone at risk for any number of issues, including suicide. The faster you recognize the symptoms of depression, the faster you can get treatment and reduce the risk of other, even more serious issues. Additionally, the more you know, the better you can help others.

Are you at risk for depression? Consider the following questions, all of which may indicate that someone is already depressed or at risk for developing depression. If you find yourself answering affirmatively even to several questions, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re depressed, but you may have an increased risk of becoming so. Later we’ll talk about what you can do if you or someone you love is suffering from depression.

Depression Self-Assessment

Do you currently live with a family member who suffers from depression?

Studies have shown that living with a mother or father who has depression, whether the cause is environmental or genetic, increases your own risk of developing the condition. You may not know if a parent suffers from depression; if you feel safe asking, do so. If not, consider whether they exhibit the signs described in this book. Further, you don’t have to live with a depressed family member to be at risk.

Does life feel pointless?

Everyone may occasionally feel hopeless as they navigate through school, work, and life. But if a hopeless feeling persists day after day and affects your daily behavior, it could be a sign of depression.

Do you find it impossible to concentrate?

Depression can make it hard to concentrate even when you’re reading or watching something you love.

Have you withdrawn from your friends and family?

It’s important to do your own thing and be independent, but this should be balanced with a healthy amount of socializing and bonding with friends and family. Depression sufferers often turn down opportunities to be with others simply to be alone.

Have you noticed a sudden change in your weight?

Extreme weight loss or gain can be a symptom of depression. If you’ve lost your appetite or find yourself seeking comfort in food, this may be because your brain chemistry is being affected by depression.

Do you have insomnia, or do you sleep too much?

Look, teenagers need their sleep and often don’t get enough. But if you go through long periods of sleeplessness or of sleeping too much, depression may be the reason.

Do you have physical pain that won’t go away?

Depression doesn’t just cause emotional pain. Depression can cause chemical imbalances in your brain that make you perceive pain differently, and it could be the reason for a persistent physical pain that doctors can’t find a reason for.

Have your grades dropped? Have you stopped participating in extracurricular activities?

Depression has two best friends: apathy and lack of energy. These can combine to affect your performance in school and your extracurricular activities, and they can sap your passion for activities you once loved.

Have you ever thought of suicide?

If you answer yes, you’re not alone, and suicidal thoughts can be caused by depression. However, if you’re currently thinking about suicide, seek help and treatment. Tell someone. With counseling and, if necessary, proper medication, you will begin to feel better. When you’re suffering from depression, the idea of feeling better might be difficult to imagine. This is the time to practice trust and courage.

Encouragement Corner

We all go through difficult times in our lives but we don’t need to suffer in silence!

If you have a word of encouragement to share with those who are struggling with depression or feeling suicidal, please leave a comment.

And, if you’re struggling with these feelings, please reach out for help.

You are beautiful.
You are valued.
You are loved!

Introduction to Kristi Hugstad – The Grief Girl

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