Thank you for reaching out. It might not seem like it, but many MANY teenagers struggle with depression. I like to remind everyone that depression is just like any other medical condition -- like high blood pressure or an infection. Something in your body is a little bit off but...

It is not your fault.

So to your question. Doctors use a checklist to make an official diagnosis of depression. How many of the following do you have?

• Changes in your sleep (either sleeping too much or not sleeping enough)

• Not wanting to do things you used to enjoy

• Feeling worthless

• Having extra energy or feeling very tired

• Having a hard time concentrating on things like school or watching TV

• Eating a lot or not eating enough

• Feeling extra fidgety or super sluggish

• Having thoughts of killing yourself

Even if you have not felt all of these things, you may still have depression. I know this can be very hard, but it is important to discuss this with your doctor. It does not mean there is something wrong with you and it does not mean that you need to take medicine. In fact, it shows how mature you are by taking care of yourself.

Depending how bad you are feeling there are things that can be done to help you feel back to normal. That is always the goal. Counseling might be enough for you, or you may need a medicine. Either way, the treatment for depression does not have to last forever. You may only need to go to counseling for a year until you aren't feeling depressed anymore, or you may need to take a medicine for many years. No two people are the same so it is important to figure out what works perfectly for you.

Lastly, and most importantly, if you are thinking of hurting yourself, please tell someone right away or call the national suicide prevention lifeline at (800)273-8255.