Most of the research I found came from mainly asking people questions. The most helpful answers came from one of my friends who was diagnosed with depression and had to go to an inpatient Hopi Unit twice at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale (she will remain unnamed due to confidentiality wishes). Another set of helpful answers came from my school’s social worker, Lisa Graika.
Teenager With Diagnosed Depression;
1.) How long have you had your depression?
About a year.
2.) Has it worsened or gotten better since you have been diagnosed?
It had gotten better, but gets worse at times.
3.) What are some day to day struggles you face due to depression?
Loss of appetite, feeling like an outcast, wanting to be normal, having to take meds, etc.
4.) Do you think depression is an over-exaggerated thing or do you think it is a serious illness? Why?
Depression is a serious illness. Many teens/adults aren't diagnosed with it because most people think it's a joke. This is a real thing and people need to open their eyes and see what it's doing to people. This is not something that we can take lightly. It should be dealt with like cancer, or diabetes would be dealt; with care and much attention.
Research