Depression

There are all sorts of pressures on children, and even more for adolescents. There may be difficulties with peers at school, academic struggles, anxiety, challenges with teachers or parents, and the pressure of other people’s expectations. Not to mention a range of other possible bad experiences, worries and difficulties.

When we feel that the world is getting a bit overwhelming, our mood is likely to be less cheerful than if we feel that the world is a wonderful and awesome place and everything is great. When we feel seriously stink for a decent chunk of time, our mood can drop quite badly and stay low, not bouncing back up when something good happens. We call this depression. It can feel like there is no hope (that’s usually a part of it in fact). But it is treatable!

Our brains sometimes try and help by coming up with thoughts that feel like solutions. Sometimes people feel suicidal, as our brain may come up with those thoughts as a suggested way to ‘not feel sad’. But it’s not a very helpful thought!! Because therapy works (Depression is very common and there’s a lot of research about how to treat it). I always suggest that if people are having those unhelpful thoughts, that they try therapy first (because it’s hard to do it the other way around). This way you have someone else to share your thoughts and experiences with, and someone alongside to help find a way to being happy. It is also worth noting that there are lots of different therapists, and types of therapy. Find that person who really works for you. These are times when it is really good to have someone alongside who really gets how you are feeling, and knows what can be helpful.

There are loads of websites with resources for parents and young people, including these ones:

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au (their factsheets and information look pretty useful)

https://mentalhealth.org.nz/groups (Mental Health Foundation. Information, publications, info re free support groups in your local area)

https://www.depression.org.nz Information, also a helpline on 0800 111 757

https://landing.sparx.org.nz/ game-based e-therapy. Fun way to get some good skills and info.

www.getselfhelp.co.uk/depression.htm Useful factsheet with immediate ideas you can try, and links to website with other resources.

Finally:

If you are having thoughts about suicide, or you know somebody else who is having those thoughts – tell somebody NOW. Phone a crisis line, or call 111 if you or someone else are unsafe.

And find someone who can help you access a mental health clinician.

This whole website exists because we think that our younger generation consists of amazing and wonderful young people, who have incredible potential. We see them caring about all sorts of really important things, and we care about them. We like the idea of them finding joy and happiness, having fun, and walking from dark places back into the sunlight and pleasure that they should be having in life. If it’s not great now, it really, truly, can be later. Sometimes when we can’t see the way up the mountain, we need a guide to help us get to the top.

CRISIS LINES

1737 Freecall or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Lifeline 0800 543 354

Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254

Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825

Youthline 0800 376 633 Freetext 234, email chat at [email protected]

All views expressed in this information sheet are those of the author, however based on broad research and clinical experience. Any feedback may be directed to the author: Steve Williams, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Director: C&A Hub.