Depression "The Blues"
Why Do I Feel This Way?
 There are several possible reasons why someone gets depressed.
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A change in your life such as moving to a different town, changing schools, your parents getting divorced, or death of someone you love.
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Some people experience depression because they have a family history of it. For example, if family members of yours have or have had depression, there is a chance that the same could happen
to you.
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Certain times it is our brains that determine if we are depressed. Chemicals inside the brain can get out of balance and cause a person to become depressed.
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Family or school problems can lead to depression such as troubles with your family, seeing or being a victim of violence, having a hard time with school work, or having a learning
disability.
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Depression can also start for no clear reason at all.
Remember that Depression Can Happen to Anyone!
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Difference Between Sadness and Depression
To learn the differences between being sad and being depressed as well as other information about depression, visit:
http://www.depressioned.org/sheets_dehpp.html
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How to Get Help
Talk to someone about your feelings. Depression can be prevented and successfully treated especially if diagnosed early. People you can talk to include:
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Recommended Readings for Teens and Adults (Depression Education and Health Promotion Project, UConn Health Center)
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A Parent’s Survival Guide to Childhood Depression by Susan E. Dubuque
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Kid Power Tactics for Dealing with Depression by Nicholas and Susan Dubuque
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Lonely, Sad, and Angry: How to help Your Unhappy Child by Barbara D. Ingersoll and Sam Goldstein
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The Adolescent Depression Workbook by Mary Ellen Copeland and Stuart Copans
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When Nothing Else Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
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Depression Is the Pits, But I’m Getting Better: A Guide for Adolescents by Jane E. Garland
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Overcoming Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents by Miriam Kaufman
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Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide For Teens by Earl Hipp
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Help for the Hard Times: Getting Through Loss by Earl Hipp
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Sad Isn’t Bad: A Good – Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss by Michealene Mundy
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Sad Days, Glad Days – A Story About Depression
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The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness by Edward M. Hallowell
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For More Information
Web Sites
Depression Education and Health Promotion Project
UConn Health Center
860-679-4135
Depression Fact Sheets (English and Spanish)
Department of Psychiatry
UConn Health Center American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Hotlines
National Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-448-4663
Free Call
National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
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