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This website shows you all the things you can talk about and stay anonymous without them judging, only there for help! 24 hours and someone to get good advice from.

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Distress Centre Durham is here to help. If you're feeling like there is no hope, call us to talk. There is always hope and things will get better. Our help line is: 905-430-2522

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Another place to go if you're stressed, and super overwhelmed from school, maybe having a lot of anxiety or a breakdown, you can always resort to the guidance councellors right in the school! They're a huge help and will listen to whatever you have to say or rantabout! it helps calm you down and feel better.

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Another place to go if you're stressed, and super overwhelmed from school, maybe having a lot of anxiety or a breakdown, you can always resort to the guidance councellors right in the school! They're a huge help and will listen to whatever you have to say or rantabout! it helps calm you down and feel better.

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No matter how you feel, good or bad, tell someone and express it , don't hold it in! it isn't healthy for you.

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Talking About Your Feelings

How many feelings can you name? Happy, sad, scared? That's a good start.

Can you name some more? How about playful, joyful, calm? Mad, upset, worried. Confused, lonely, nervous. Grateful, glad, cozy. Loved, friendly, peaceful.

There are so many feelings to name. Try coming up with some of your own.

No matter how you feel - good or bad - it's healthy to put your feelings into words. Talking about feelings helps us feel close to people who care. It helps us feel better when we're sad or scared.

Putting feelings into words helps us use self-control when we feel mad or upset. If your little brother took something of yours, you can say, "Hey, I'm annoyed that you took that without asking me. Next time, please ask." No need to get in a big fight over it. Just say how you feel and why, without yelling.

Know Your Feelings

It's easier to talk about your feelings if you know how you feel and why. Try these easy steps:

1. Think of the name for how you feel. (Let's say you feel nervous.)

2. Think of why you feel that way. (Let's say you are nervous because you have a spelling test tomorrow.)

3. Put them together into words. (Say to yourself, "I feel nervous about my spelling test tomorrow.")

If you don't know why you feel a certain way, you can still talk about it. You can say, "I feel upset, but I don't know why."

Pick Someone to Talk to

A parent, grandparent, or a friend can be a good person to talk to. It's easier than you think. You can start by going to the person and saying, "Can we talk for a minute?" Then say how you feel and why.

Let the other person listen. Maybe they will give you advice. Or say something kind. Maybe they will help you laugh, or give you a hug. Or say, "Don't worry, I'll help you study your spelling words." Just saying how you feel and why helps you start to feel better. It helps to know you are not alone with a problem or worry.

Talk About Feelings Any Time

You don't have to wait for a big problem to talk about your feelings. You can say how you feel any time. It's a good thing to practice.

Talking about feelings doesn't have to be a big talk. You can make a short and simple comment. Like this:

"Dad, I'm really glad we're having pizza tonight! Thanks!"

"I'm excited about the game tonight. I think the coach will let me start."

"I'm so relieved because I did really well on my math test!"

"I felt so awkward when I asked Kyle to the dance, and I was so happy when he said yes!"

You don't have to talk about every feeling you have. But noticing your feelings and saying how you feel and why is good practice. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Talking about your feelings is a healthy way to express them. And when you have difficult feelings you need to talk over, you'll be ready.

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How many feelings can you name? Happy, sad, scared? That's a good start. Can you name some more? How about playful, joyful, calm? Mad, upset, worried. Confused, lonely, nervous. Grateful, glad, cozy. Loved, friendly, peaceful. There are so many feelings to name. Try coming up with some of your own.

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When you need to seek help and where to find it

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When you need to seek help and where to find it

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When to Seek Professional Help

Everyone feels low and depressed every now and then. How then, are you supposed to know when your depressive symptoms have reached a point when professional help would be a good idea? Here's a good rule of thumb: If your depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, and in your social life, or is causing you to contemplate or plan to commit suicide, it would be a very good idea for you to consult with a mental health professional as soon as possibl e.

This advice to seek out professional help counts double with regard to any suicidal symptoms you may be experiencing. If you find yourself thinking seriously about suicide, please make an appointment with a mental health doctor (a psychiatrist, or psychologist) as soon as you can.

If you are feeling acutely suicidal; that you will end up committing suicide within hours or days unless you receive some relief, then bypass the advice about making an appointment with a doctor; just take yourself immediately to your local hospital emergency room and tell them there that you are feeling suicidal. In such a case, there is no time to waste with appointments.
Where To Find Help
Listed below are examples of the types of professionals and institutions who can offer you help for depression. The list is presented in roughly the best order of search. Those professions and institutions listed towards the top of this list will be more directly able to help you. Those listed at the bottom of the list will be able to provide you with appropriate referrals to other mental health professionals.

Mental health specialists, including:

Psychiatrists

Clinical Psychologists

Social Workers

Licensed mental health counselors

Your family doctor

Your employer provided Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Nearby university or medical school-affiliated mental health clinics

Your local hospital

Community mental health centers

Clergy

Your Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Health Insurance company

It is always best and most comfortable to work with a therapist, doctor or other health professional who comes strongly recommended by someone you trust. For this reason, don't be shy about asking around your social circle for therapists and doctors who come recommended by your family and friends, or by doctors you already trust.

If you are truly unsure where to go for help you can access referral services who will help you find local caregivers. Our own searchable database of North American therapists is available here, and our listing of support groups here. You may contact professional societies and state licensure boards to see if they offer therapist or doctor referrals ( Click here for licensure boards.) As a last resort, you can always search the Internet or the telephone directory under keywords such as "mental health," "health" "suicide prevention," "crisis intervention" "therapists", "physicians" or "hospitals". In times of crisis, including a suicidal crisis, the emergency room doctors at your local hospital will be able to provide temporary help, and should be able to offer referrals so that a more permanent care situation may be set up.

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Treatment: When to Seek Professional Help and Where to Find Help for Major Depression

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When to Seek Professional Help Everyone feels low and depressed every now and then. How then, are you supposed to know when your depressive symptoms have reached a point when professional help would be a good idea?

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When you're lonely resort to these tips & ideas:

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When you're lonely resort to these tips & ideas:

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if you're feeling lonely with nothing to do and you can't stop overthinking you can try one of these things to ditract yourselves and you might really enjoy doing one of these things!

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Did you know that in Korea, people are recording themselves while having dinner? And people are actually paying to watch these videos! Is this another sign of loneliness creeping up on all of us?

According to a study of more than 170,000 people published at the Psychology Bulletin in 2013, the average adult's network of friends and colleagues have shrunk over the past 3 decades. It's no wonder many people feel lonelier than ever.

Feeling lonely, however, is not a direct cause of being alone. It's possible to feel lonely in a crowd.

Loneliness, in fact, is more dangerous than isolation because it increases a person's mortality rate, according to John Cacioppo, co-author of Loneliness: Human Nature and the Needs for Social Connection.

If it's so dangerous, how do we fight loneliness then?
Wondering What to Do When You Feel Lonely? Here Are 25 Tried and Tested Tips
1. Just Show Up

Familiarity breeds attraction. A study published at the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that same-sex strangers felt increasing affinity towards each other, after each conversation they had. The same goes for online chat conversations. Don't be hesitant to talk to people, even if you feel awkward or don't like them at first. If you're genuinely interested or curious about others, they're more likely to reciprocate those feelings.

2. Go On A Solo Date

You know the problem with group and couples dates? The annoying "So what do we do?" and "Where do we eat?" questions. When you go on a date with yourself, you're sure to go somewhere you actually like and you don't have to wait around for others to decide.

3. Know The Difference Between Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness is an emotion, mostly triggered by a sad memory. Unfortunately the brain loves to overanalyze things, so even momentary loneliness can escalate to longer spells because of thoughts like "Why do I feel so alone?" and "Am I a loser no one loves?" When this happens, just acknowledge the feeling and don't overreact.

4. Attend Meetups

Go to meetup.com and find a group in your city. There are tons of meetup groups catering to every interest, job, city and hobby, so it's impossible not to find a group to your liking. People who join meetup.com are eager to meet new people, and are incredibly friendly so it's a nice way to make new friends.

5. Watch A Movie

Watch a movie alone or call some friends to go with you-it doesn't matter. What's important is you immerse yourself in an interesting story that'll erase your gloomy thoughts. Watch a chick-flick, or a super hero movie-anything but a tear jerker, really -and grab lots of candy and popcorn.

6. Volunteer

Focusing on the needs of others steers your mind away from sad thoughts. It's impossible to feel lonely when you're feeding the homeless, reading to kids at an orphanage, or dancing with grandmas at a salsa class. Helping the less fortunate will also fill you with immense gratitude.

7. Adopt A Cute Pet

A furry cat or dog will cheer you up. The playfulness of pets, plus the troubles (and fun) you'll experience while training them will make you forget about your troubles. Even a goldfish or pretty parrot can do wonders for your mood.

8. Identify The Cause Of Your Loneliness
"What to do when you feel lonely?"
I can't imagine how many people have Googled that phrase when they felt the pangs of loneliness. Unfortunately, it's not the best question to ask. Would you ask a doctor for a prescription before they check your symptoms?

Instead of trying things randomly, hoping one solution will do the trick-losing hope and feeling worse when it doesn't-it's better to identify the cause of your loneliness first. If you were previously happy in your own company, what could've caused you to feel lonely this time?

Do your friends make you feel lonely? Is it your work or surroundings, perhaps? The cause of your loneliness will clue you in on the appropriate solution.

9. Read Fiction

Please don't pick a Dummies book on how to stop feeling lonely. Reading self-help when you're feeling miserable will make just you feel worse. Read a good novel instead. Losing yourself in a good story or identifying with a powerful character will boost your confidence and fill you with a sense of adventure.

10. Take A Bath

Where do good ideas come from? In the shower, right? Taking a nice, long, and relaxing bath is a great way to be bask in your alone time, instead of drowning in self-pity. Ladies, prepare a glass of red, chocolates and magazines. Gents, take a bubble bath ala Chandler by taking a manly boat with you!

11. Take A Random Bus, Train or Flight Off to Anywhere

Taking public transportation to a random location forces you to do two things-be in the company of strangers, and change your environment. Doing this will ward off loneliness and cure your wanderlust as well.

12. Dance (Naked)

Sometimes, we feel lonely because we're actually alone. So take this chance to do the things you can only do when you're alone, like dancing naked or jumping on the bed with your shoes on. Doing crazy stuff alone will give you a good laugh.

13. Go For A Quick Run

Running is scientifically proven to make you happier. Even 30 minutes of walking can instantly lift your mood, according to a 2006 study published at Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

14. Watch Friends

Okay, it's now obvious that I love this show! I've watched it 5x now and it still makes me laugh. Watch "The One with the Unagi" and "The One With the Embryos" if you're feeling lonely and need a good laugh.

15. Get Coffee

Go to a coffee shop far from your apartment or office. Then order coffee and sit on the bar, or that big table on the center where you can talk to people. Compliment someone on their tie, shoes or bag. Start a conversation. Don't worry if you're bad at small talk, because chances are you won't see that person again.

16. Practice #JOMO

Social media is helpful, but it could be detrimental depending on how you use it. When your default behavior is to keep scrolling on Facebook instead of talking to whoever's with you, or taking a picture of everything you eat instead of just savoring it, then it's time to experience the joy of missing out (JOMO)-a practice promoted by Randi Zuckerberg. Yes, she's Mark Zuckerberg's sister.

17. Make Your Bed

Making your bed in the morning, and doing a quick two-minute wipe down in your kitchen at night, will make you feel better and in control of your life. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, says her research for the book revealed that bed-making is one of the keystone habits of happy people.

18. Look Through Old photos

Prepare some snacks or some tea and canapés ala afternoon high-tea, if you're feeling fancy. Reminisce the good old days with a friend, your mom or sis. Remembering your crazy antics, and most embarrassing moments caught on camera will fill you with nostalgic memories and drive away loneliness.

19. Get A Camera

Get a camera, then go out and start taking beautiful pictures of things around you. A sunset, a barking dog, or a laughing baby-filling your life with beautiful things can take your mind off of loneliness.

20. Attend Classes For A Fun New Exercise Like Air Yoga, Pole Dancing, Or Trampoline Jumping

The exact exercise doesn't matter. The point is to get yourself moving, while trying something new in the supportive environment of a group class.

21. Start A 5-Minute Gratitude Journal

It's hard to feel down when you know that you have a lot to be thankful for. When you don't know what to be thankful for, just write what you feel. Sometimes, it can help you identify why you feel lonely in the first place.

22. Watch Inspiring Ted Talks

Ted Talks are inspiring and informative. I don't know why, but watching a few Ted Talks really help when I feel lonely and helpless. Some of my favorites are: "Connected, but alone?" by Sherry Turkle, and "Success, failure and the drive to keep creating" by Elizabeth Glibert.

23. Plan A holiday

Nothing beats loneliness and overwhelm like planning a great holiday vacation. Looking up flights, hotel deals and stuff to do on a random faraway location will boost your spirits and steer your mind off your negative thoughts. You don't really need to book a trip, sometimes the act of planning for one is enough.

24. Create Something New

Wondering how to not feel lonely, when you actually prefer to be alone? Getting bored is a prerequisite of feeling lonely. And what's one of the main causes of getting bored? Having nothing to do. So keep yourself occupied! Try a new recipe. Create a scrapbook. Finish that DIY project you've been postponing for so long.

25. Do Something Craaazy

Dress up like a tourist, and do all the cheesy touristy things in your city. Eat the local delicacy, tour the crowded tourist spots and explore new locations you've never heard of.

How Do You Deal With Loneliness?

Do you have other tips on fighting loneliness? Share them with me @CharleyWrites or comment below.

Photo credits: Daniel Thornton, John, Wonderlane

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25 Things To Do When You Feel Lonely - How To Stop Feeling Lonely

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Did you know that in Korea, people are recording themselves while having dinner? And people are actually paying to watch these videos! Is this another sign of loneliness creeping up on all of us? According to a study of more than 170,000 people published at the Psychology Bulletin in 2013, the average adult's network of friends and colleagues have shrunk over the past 3 decades.

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here are some tips to get your mind off things and push that sadness away without the prescription.

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Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back. Changing your behavior -- your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking -- are all natural depression treatments.

These tips can help you feel better -- starting right now.

1. Get in a routine. If you're depressed, you need a routine, says Ian Cook, MD. He's a psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA.

Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.

2.Set goals. When you're depressed, you may feel like you can't accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.

"Start very small," Cook says. "Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day."

As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals.

3. It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways, Cook says.

How much exercise do you need? You don't need to run marathons to get a benefit. Just walking a few times a week can help.

4. Eat healthy. There is no magic diet that fixes depression. It's a good idea to watch what you eat, though. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will help you feel better.

Although nothing is definitive, Cook says there's evidence that foods with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna) and folic acid (such as spinach and avocado) could help ease depression.

5. Get enough sleep. Depression can make it hard to get enough shut- eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse.

What can you do? Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom -- no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.

Continued

6. Take on responsibilities. When you're depressed, you may want to pull back from life and give up your responsibilities at home and at work. Don't. Staying involved and having daily responsibilities can help you maintain a lifestyle that can help counter depression. They ground you and give you a sense of accomplishment.

If you're not up to full-time school or work, that's fine. Think about part-time. If that seems like too much, consider volunteer work.

7. Challenge negative thoughts. In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental -- changing how you think. When you're depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions.

The next time you're feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.

8. Check with your doctor before using supplements. "There's promising evidence for certain supplements for depression," Cook says. Those include fish oil, folic acid, and SAMe. But more research needs to be done before we'll know for sure. Always check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you're already taking medications.

9. Do something new. When you're depressed, you're in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Take a language class.

"When we challenge ourselves to do something different, there are chemical changes in the brain," Cook says. "Trying something new alters the levels of [the brain chemical] dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning."

10. Try to have fun. If you're depressed, make time for things you enjoy. What if nothing seems fun anymore? "That's just a symptom of depression," Cook says. You have to keep trying anyway.

Continued

As strange as it might sound, you have to work at having fun. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they feel like a chore. Keep going to the movies. Keep going out with friends for dinner.

When you're depressed, you can lose the knack for enjoying life, Cook says. You have to relearn how to do it. In time, fun things really will feel fun again.

Sources

SOURCES:

Ian A. Cook, MD, Director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program, University of California Los Angeles.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Can Folic Acid Help Ease Depression?

Liebenluft E, American Journal of Psychiatry, December, 2008.

National Sleep Foundation: "Sleep and Depression" and "Sleep Hygiene."

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Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back. Changing your behavior -- your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking -- are all natural depression treatments.

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this is somewhere to go if youneed to let al your thoughts out or just rant, if you have no one to talk to, or maybe you just want to let it all out without telling anyone.

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There are many myths associated with depression. As mentioned in the article "7 Myths of Depression," people often misinterpret depression as a phase that is not serious and will fade over time. Another misconception is that depression only affects the weak and lonely, and that medicine can help eliminate all forms of depression just as medicines can help eliminate one's allergy symptoms.

According to the American College Health Association's ( ACHA) National College Health Assessment, a 2011 nationwide survey of college students at two and four-year institutions found about 30 percent of college students reported feeling "so depressed that it was difficult to function" at some time in the past year.

"I think most students neglect to care for their mental health because they may think that they don't need it, and that they won't benefit from it," said Marina Teo, 23, master's student in marriage and family therapy.

"Also, the stigma of going to therapy still exists, some people may think that going to therapy means that there is something wrong with them or that they are crazy."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH), many college students who struggle with depression are not seeking help. They may not know of any resources, or they may believe that treatment will not work for them. Some students do not get help because they think their symptoms are nothing out of the ordinary and others worry about being judged or being made to feel weak if they seek mental health care.

CSUN psychology professor, George Lough, Ph.D., believes that the way in which people are approaching depression is changing.

"The stigma around seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist and, if necessary, taking medication, is decreasing as people become more aware of the value of psychotherapy and the significant positive healing effects a combination of therapy and medication can have," Lough said.
How anxiety and depression affects academics
The ACHA claims stress in moderation may actually be beneficial, claiming that managing stress rather than eliminating it all together may be healthier for students overall mental well-being. According to the ACHA, when stress is associated with a physiological response, the stress reaction may actually help increase a persons adrenaline so that they may meet daily challenges efficiently.

Stress is a double-edged sword; without consistent rest periods while under stress, irregular habits may begin to surface. Diet changes, sleeping patterns, fatigue and anxiety are common occurrences among college students who mishandle stress. Stress may also take physical form and cause weakness, digestive problems and immune system vulnerability. Stress may take an emotional toll and cause irritability, confusion and even cause panic attacks from an increase in anxiety.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America ( ADAA), severe anxiety can be attributed to years of uncontrolled and inconsistent stress levels. Inefficiently managing stress is just one factor that allows the appropriation of anxiety levels in one's mindset to increase, potentially causing one to become emotionally unstable.

In 2011, the ADAA's national survey found more than 62 percent of students who withdrew from college with mental health problems did so because of an anxiety disorder.

CSUN alumni Ata Tousi, 25, has struggled with anxiety and it has affected his academic career in more ways than one.

"Depression and anxiety has affected me to the point that I've gone part time in attendance with school for a few semesters," Tousi said.

"Ultimately my experiences with depression and anxiety lengthened my academic career. At the same time, I have been able to pinpoint healthy habits and strategies like practicing mindfulness and eating healthy, time management, and keeping a balance with fun versus study time."

Along with taking antidepressants, talking with a mental health professional and taking advantage of mental health resources available at CSUN, Tousi was successfully able to earn his bachelor's degree in 2013.
What you eat may cause anxiety and depression
According to Students Against Depression ( SAD), in order to help keep stress and anxiety levels down, it is important to be mindful of what one eats. These days, it is expensive to eat healthy, especially when students have their tuition fees, books, and monthly rent and utilities to pay for.

Typically, full-time college students may find themselves at a drive-thru, or snacking on whatever may be available regardless of its nutritional content. College students who are on-the-go do not always have the luxury of time and money to invest in healthier food choices or a gym membership. Some students eat too little or too much without much consideration of the consequences.

"Not eating, or not eating properly and lack of exercise lead to a chemical imbalance," said Gabriel Seabra Cendoroglo, 22, music major who is currently battling depression.

"Zinc deficiency also causes feelings of stress. I have self-esteem problems and for some reason, it tends to become a vicious circle of depression. I think all of these contribute to my depression."

According to SAD, eating regular, healthy meals and snacks boosts a person's metabolism, which allows for effective use of energy. Being conscientious of the food's ingredients is beneficial because what people consume affects their mood.

For example, according to the SAD, Tryptophan, an amino acid, is essential for the production of serotonin - the brain chemical that helps regulate mood. Tryptophan can be found in poultry, oil-rich fish, beans, baked potatoes, oats, nuts and seeds. If a college student dines on dollar-menu, preservative-packed deep fried chicken on a regular basis, it may have an adverse effect on their overall well-being, and consequently, could affect their sleeping and studying habits.

A study by the SAD found what you eat can cause low mood and could, in turn, cause anxiety and depression, which can go full circle to poor dieting and poor body image. Creating healthy eating habits, exercising regularly and sleeping on a consistent schedule can help decrease the chances of becoming chemically imbalanced and susceptible to anxiety and depression.
Recent study on genetics and depression
Doctors are not certain whether depression is passed on through genetics or whether the mental illness is purely psychological and physical. There are only mere suggestions that depression is caused by both nature and nurture.

According to an article in the Stanford School of Medicine titled "Major Depression and Genetics," it is not certain a person may inherit a gene that causes depression. According to the study, if someone has a parent or sibling with major depression, that person probably has a 20 to 30 percent greater risk of developing the ailment compared to the average person who has a mere 10 percent chance.
When anxiety and depression go undiagnosed
Heather Morgan, a crisis line manager for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Center, said their clinics receive more than 4,500 calls, text messages and online chats a month. The center averages 150 to 160 calls every 24 hours.

"Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students," Morgan said.

"With that being noted, we receive calls from college students daily. Since people go through different traumatic events in life; calls, texts and chats can range from relationship issues, LGBTQI questions or concerns, financial, and family issues or concerns - to name a few."

College students in particular have the additional stress of academic life.

"If my depression and anxiety went undiagnosed, I would not have reached the successes I have," Tousi said.

"If left untreated I would have been so pessimistic that things wouldn't get done."
Resources available on campus
Andrea Elzy, coordinator for peer education programs at University Counseling Services ( UCS), said their programs focus on real issues that affect students their friends and their families. Programs on campus include Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating ( JADE), The Blues Project, a depression and suicide awareness program, and Project Discovering Alternatives for Today's Encounters ( DATE).

"It's important that students know what resources regarding mental health are available on campus," Elzy said.

"Suicide is the leading cause of death on university campuses. People usually don't want to have these conversations. These programs open up the dialogue."

UCS offers eight free sessions to speak with a counselor per academic year. Students can schedule appointments in person, over the phone or online. UCS is located on the 5th floor of Bayramian Hall.

"Therapy can help individuals learn better coping skills when dealing with stressors from school, work and personal life," Teo said.

"When an individual is more aware and can identify why they feel and think a certain way, they develop better coping skills to cope with difficult situations."

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Studies show depression affects academic progress, causes stress and chemical imbalance

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There are many myths associated with depression. As mentioned in the article "7 Myths of Depression," people often misinterpret depression as a phase that is not serious and will fade over time.

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This picture shows that people who bully are just weak and try to put it onto someone else, it's an example of everyone being sad on the inside so they want to see other people sad like they feel, so they resort to bullying.

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This article is proof of the rise in children/teens being prescribed anti-depressants, and it's quite a large increase. Just like the article stated if more people tried to notice and help people first instead of just shoving them to the doctor's, less teens would be confused and able to mature into a better person knowing how to deal with it.

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The number of children in the UK prescribed anti-depressants increased by more than 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012, according to a new study.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the use of the drugs to treat young people was a concern, the BBC said.

After fears that anti-depressants could lead to suicidal behaviour in young people, usage in Britain fell, but the study suggests there has been a resurgence in the UK as well as in other Western countries.

Commenting on the results, WHO director of mental health Dr Shekhar Saxena said: "Anti-depressant use amongst young people is and has been a matter of concern because of two reasons.

"One, are more people being prescribed anti-depressants without sufficient reason? And second, can anti-depressants do any major harm?"

He also said that the organisation was worried that young people were being given drugs not licensed for under-18s.

The study, "Trends and patterns of antidepressant use in children and adolescents from five western countries, 2005-2012", is published in the European Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.

In the period examined, there was a 54% increase in the number of young people prescribed anti-depressants in the UK.

This is compared with rises of 60% in Denmark, 49 per cent in Germany and just 26 per cent in the US and 17 per cent in the Netherlands, the BBC said.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines say the drugs should not be used to treat mild depression in children.

Even when they are used to treat a child with moderate to severe depression, they should not be used except in combination with a concurrent psychological therapy.

Dr Maureen Baker, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said anti-depressants would rarely be the first treatment option for children and young people.

"But with such long waits for patients to see a specialist or to get a psychological therapy referral, drug therapy is sometimes seen as the only option for GPs to best support patients, who may be in extreme distress, and their family," she said.

"We have been recommending for some time that in future, as part of an enhanced four-year training programme, all GP trainees should receive specialist-led training in mental health and child health.

"These measures truly would help to ensure that our young patients with mental health conditions receive the most appropriate treatment, and the same level of care as those with physical health problems, wherever in the country they live."

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Number of children prescribed anti-depressants increases by 50% in seven years

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The number of children in the UK prescribed anti-depressants increased by more than 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012, according to a new study. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the use of the drugs to treat young people was a concern, the BBC said.

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Why many teens are developing depression

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Why many teens are developing depression

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Why Today's Teens Are More Depressed Than Ever

After a decline in the 1990s, the number of young people that commit suicide has been increasing every year. While no one can explain exactly why, many experts say adolescents and teens today probably face more pressures at home or school, worry about financial issues for their families, and use more alcohol and drugs. "This is a very dangerous time for our young people," Kathy Harms, a staff psychologist at Kansas City's Crittenton Children's Center, told the Portland Press Herald. "We're seeing more anxiety and depression in children of all ages."

Why Are so Many Teens Depressed?

Disturbing statistics

According to suicide.org, teen and adolescent suicides have continued to rise dramatically in recent years. Consider these alarming figures:

Every 100 minutes a teen takes their own life.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

About 20 percent of all teens experience depression before they reach adulthood.

Between 10 to 15 percent suffer from symptoms at any one time.

Only 30 percent of depressed teens are being treated for it.

Some teens are more at risk for depression and suicide than others. These are known factors:

Female teens develop depression twice as often than men.

Abused and neglected teens are especially at risk.

Adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses or other physical conditions.

Teens with a family history of depression or mental illness. Between 20 to 50 percent of teens suffering from depression have a family member with depression or some other mental disorder.

Teens with untreated mental or substance-abuse problems. Approximately two-thirds of teens with major depression also battle another mood disorder like dysthymia, anxiety, antisocial behaviors, or substance abuse.

Young people who experienced trauma or disruptions at home, including divorce and deaths of parents.

In an article in the Portland Press Herald by Laura Bauer and Mara Rose Williams, experts say teens seem to feel more hopeless than in previous years. Tony Jurich, a professor of family studies and human services at Kansas State University, told the newspaper, "Teens think they are invincible, so when they feel psychological pain, they are more apt to feel overwhelmed by hopelessness and the belief that they have no control over their lives." Jurich calls these feelings of hopelessness and helplessness "the Molotov cocktail that triggers teen suicide."

A new study led by Jean Twenge, a San Diego State University psychology professor, finds that five times as many high school and college students are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues as youth of the same age did that were surveyed back during the era of the Great Depression. Twenge, who is also the author of Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled -and More Miserable Than Ever Before, analyzed the responses of over 77,000 college students surveyed from 1938 through 2007.

An Unprepared Generation?

Some of the experts believe that we have raised our teens to have unrealistic expectations. Along with the messages from modern media sources that suggest that we should always feel good, they say many parents haven't taught their kids the kind of coping skills they need to survive in chaotic times.

Stressed Out Kids

"In my opinion, it's all of the above and more," writes Therese J. Borchard, author of Beyond Blue. "Most experts would agree with me that there is more stress today than in previous generations. Stress triggers depression and mood disorders, so that those who are predisposed to it by their creative wiring or genes are pretty much guaranteed some symptoms of depression at the confusing and difficult time of adolescence. I think modern lifestyles -lack of community and family support, less exercise, no casual and unstructured technology-free play, less sunshine and more computer -factors into the equation."

Borchard also wonders about the role of environmental factors such as diets of American processed fast foods and the possibility of increased exposure to toxins. She speculates that even if our brains are similar to research subjects in the past, our hectic lifestyles, environmental toxins, and other challenges may increase the stress factors that contribute to depression.

Intervention and Treatment

In the pages of her book, Ms. Borchard describes her own battle with depression and alcohol abuse as a teenager. "I could have very easily become one of the statistics -one of those deaths from teenage suicide that happens every 100 minutes," she writes. "What saved me? The loving intervention of a few adults in my life at that time. They saw the red flags, such as these, warning signs of teen depression that scream, 'Wake up! We have a problem on our hands.'"

Warning Signs

In an article for World of Psychology, Borchard lists these common indicators of depression among teens:

Sadness or hopelessness

Low self-esteem

Sluggishness (less active)

Substance abuse

Spending more time alone (this includes time alone from you as parents and time away from their regular friends)

Decrease in desire to do things they used to like to do (sports, activities, hobbies)

Physical ailments (headaches, appetite problems, sleeping problems)

Problems in school (falling grades, getting into trouble, not paying attention in class)

Talking about death or suicide (never to be taken lightly)

Not caring about appearance

Running away from home

Risks of Suicide

Any threat of suicide should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, please call 911 immediately.

If you do not live in the U.S., please call your local emergency number. Help is always available. Stay on the phone with the operator and wait for help to arrive.

Remember (or remind the one you love) that other people care. If you are not in immediate danger, but want to talk with someone about your suicidal feelings, you can call the National Hopeline Network for Suicide Prevention at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433. Recognizing the red flags could save a life.

A Cry for Help

"As a parent, I didn't notice the difference between depression and normal 15- and 16-year-old behavior until after the fact," Tracy Peter told the Portland Press Herald. Her son killed himself when he was only 16. "What if I had recognized the signs?" she wonders. Jurich calls hopelessness and helplessness "the Molotov cocktail that triggers teen suicide."

Survival

"Now let's get to the hope," Borchard says. "According to teendepression.org, 80 percent of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek the right help. I am part of that statistic. Teen depression doesn't have to mean a lifetime of struggle, and it certainly doesn't have to end in suicide."

Help is Available

If you think someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, gender identity issues, oppositional defiant disorder, or an eating disorder, call Resilience Teen Mental Health Treatment today at 800.760.3934. We've been helping families find their way to lifelong recovery for nearly 20 years.

Call Us Now at 800.760.3934

Our personalized behavior modification programs are tailored to fit each family's needs. Resilience Teen Mental Health Treatment provides effective multi-faceted levels of care that range from intensive outpatient treatment to residential treatment and partial hospitalization for adolescents and teens. Call now and speak with one of our highly trained admission specialists today. Or click on the link below for a FREE assessment or a virtual tour. All calls are completely FREE and completely confidential.

Sources

Psych Central: Why Are So Many Teens Depressed? by Therese J. Borchard. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

Beyond Blue, by Therese J. Borchard. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

Suicide.org: Suicide hotline numbers by state. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

Portland Press Herald: A Very Dangerous Time Drives up Teen Suicides. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

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Why Today's Teens Are More Depressed Than Ever

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Why Today's Teens Are More Depressed Than EverAfter a decline in the 1990s, the number of young people that commit suicide has been increasing every year. While no one can explain exactly why, many experts say adolescents and teens today probably face more pressures at home or school, worry abou

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We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

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The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

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We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
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First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

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Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and other psychiatric disorders that involve intense emotional experiences have trouble accepting emotions. It's very hard to deal with emotions that are painful, extreme and sometimes even scary; however, accepting your emotions can actually help improve your emotion regulation and lead to fewer mood swings and more emotional balance.

What Is Emotional Acceptance?

Often, when we have an uncomfortable feeling, such as sadness, fear or shame, our first reaction is to reject that feeling.

We may tell ourselves that the feeling is a bad feeling that we do not want to have. Then we may do something to try to get rid of the feeling, such as trying to push it away or using drugs or alcohol to feel better.

Certainly, no one wants to walk around feeling emotional pain all the time, but when we reject our emotions, we may actually make things worse for ourselves. Often emotions arise because they give us helpful information about the world, so sometimes getting rid of or pushing away emotions is not the best idea.

An alternative to pushing away or stifling your emotions is learning to accept your emotional experiences. Accepting means that you practice allowing your emotions to be what they are without judging them or trying to change them. Acceptance means letting go of attempts to control your emotions and learning that emotions themselves cannot harm you, although the things you do to try to get rid of emotions, such as abusing alcohol, can harm you.

Accepting Emotions Is Not Resigning Yourself to Pain

It is important to make the distinction between acceptance and resignation. Accepting emotions does not mean that you resign yourself to always feeling terrible or wallowing in pain. It also doesn't mean that you hold on to painful emotions or try to push yourself to experience emotional pain.

Acceptance simply means being aware of your emotions and accepting them for what they are right now, knowing that they won't last.

As a metaphor for acceptance, imagine that you are a soldier who has fought a long battle with your emotions. Acceptance is the act of putting down your weapons and walking away from the fight. You are not resigning yourself to be beaten up by your emotions; you are simply letting go of the struggle.

In some ways, accepting emotions means also accepting that emotions will change. When we are happy, we have to accept that it is a short-term condition; we will not always be happy. This goes for every type of emotion, from fear to anxiety to sadness. Feelings are fleeting and usually go away within seconds, minutes or hours.

Why Do People with BPD Have Trouble Accepting Emotions?

There are a few reasons why people with BPD, in particular, have trouble accepting emotions, although it is important to note that everyone has trouble accepting emotions sometimes.

First, people with BPD are often raised in emotionally invalidating environments. These are environments where feelings are not accepted. Sometimes people with BPD were punished for expressing feelings, or sometimes they were told that they were weak for having feelings.

This can lead a person with BPD to have trouble accepting their own emotions in adult life.

Second, people with BPD experience very intense emotions and this intensity makes it harder to accept them. People with BPD will often describe feeling that they are afraid their emotions will "overwhelm" or "destroy" them. As a result, many people with BPD feel very afraid of their emotions and are convinced that they cannot tolerate their feelings.

Why Accepting Emotions Is Helpful

Why is accepting your emotions helpful? What is the point of trying to accept your emotions, and wouldn't it be easier to just get rid of them?

Well, no, it isn't easy to get rid of emotions. In fact, most people with BPD have tried to get rid of their emotions with little success. What they have learned, and what research supports, is that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for us to just get rid of an emotion.

We have emotions for a reason, so you shouldn't want to get rid of them completely. Emotions are part of a complex system that helps us decide what we should stay away from and what we should approach. Emotions also help us keep lasting relationships with other people. Without emotions, we would make terrible decisions all the time. Therefore, accepting emotions is helpful, because when we listen to our emotions, we can actually learn important information.

How to Practice Accepting Emotions

It is not easy to learn how to accept emotions because they often do not feel very good and we have instincts that may tell us to avoid them. With persistent practice, though, you can learn how to be more accepting of your emotions. Mindfulness meditation, or the practice of being aware of both your internal and external experiences, can be tremendously useful as you are learning how to accept your emotions. Here are some exercises to try:
Hayes SC. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. 1st ed. New Harbinger Publications; 2005. Linehan MM. Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder. 1st ed. The Guilford Press; 1993. Roemer L, Orsillo SM. Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapies in Practice. 1st ed. Guilford Press; 2008.

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How Accepting Your Emotions Will Improve Your Health

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Many people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and other psychiatric disorders that involve intense emotional experiences have trouble accepting emotions. It's very hard to deal with emotions that are painful, extreme and sometimes even scary; however, accepting your emotions can actually help improve your emotion regulation and lead to fewer mood swings and more emotional balance.