BY MELISSA PAULSEN
Depression is a serious illness that, unfortunately, many teenagers currently are dealing with or have dealt with in some way, shape, or form. For many it can be hard to comprehend how it feels, and for those going through it it can be hard to express. It may feel like you are drowning in sadness and that you will never find happiness again. It may just feel like pure loneliness, that the best option is to isolate yourself and just shut out everything. In other words depression is a big deal that cannot just simply be dismissed or ridiculed. It can be especially hard when someone dear to you is going through it. You want to help, but are not sure how. The best way to help is to learn how it feels. A couple of anonymous students at BHS have shared their thoughts and feelings about how depression feels or felt. Often it seems what people want when they are depressed is someone to be there for them and to listen to them without judgment. When asked what they wanted the most when they feel depressed, one student said, “Chocolate and somebody to talk to, to let me know it’s okay, somebody who is there for me, and not like ‘oh well you have no reason to feel this way.’” Trying to find your way through a day while depressed can be extremely difficult. “[You feel] annoyed. You get really quiet and you just don’t want to talk to anybody. You just want to go home. Simple things can set you off, like when you’ll be talking and somebody will interrupt you,” said anonymous. “You don’t want somebody to talk to, but at the same time you do want someone to confide in,” continued anonymous. If you are currently going through depression, it can be incredibly difficult to pick yourself up. When asked if they had any tips to give others who are depressed, anonymous said, “Store up on your chocolate. When you get to that kind of stage you have to try and help yourself. If there are certain people you are hanging out with and they kind of bug you, just don’t hang out with them as much. Also try listening to music that’s not going to make you feel worse. Or read a book, like Harry Potter: not one that has those types of things in it.” Another student said, “What helped me was the fact that I had a great support system. There was one person who really helped me and was always there for me when I needed to talk. Even when I didn’t feel like talking they persuaded me to and it made me feel better. Knowing how much I meant to that person really encouraged me to keep fighting. Trust me, there were days where I wanted to give up and let it all go, but I didn’t, and because of that I was able to ‘beat it.’ I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” So what are the main things you can do to help? First, listen to them and just let them talk. However, if they are sounding suicidal or that they are going to harm themselves, it is important you take action and assist them in finding proper help. But, it is important that you do not force them into a situation where they may feel forced, trapped, or interrogated. Also, do not tell them that they have no reason to be depressed. Often, this statement just makes them feel worse; everyone has the right to feel the way they feel, after all. Next, keep realistic expectations. Depression is not something that can go away overnight, but it is curable. It is important to invite your loved one who is depressed into positive and fun activities, like going to the movies. This helps them to feel needed and loved, and can remind them that there is indeed someone who cares about them. Lastly, whether you are depressed or are interested in helping out one who is, one anonymous student put it best when they said, “I think it’s important to remember that you’re stronger than the sadness and that there are always people who love you.” |
BY MELISSA PAULSEN
Each month, the Norse Code interviews one of Bigfork High Schools’ robust teachers. In this month’s issue, geometry teacher, Jodi Carter was interviewed. What high school did you go to/where?: “I went to a high school in Colorado. It was a small school in Craig, Colorado. I would say we probably had about 600 students, so it was twice the size of Bigfork.” What was your favorite year in high school and why?: “I probably liked my junior year the best. It wasn’t as stressful as coming into the school, and it wasn’t as stressful as being a senior. It was fun; I enjoyed being an upperclassman.” What is the biggest difference do you think between your high school and BHS?: “The class sizes.” How have you changed since high school?: “I have just been more educated and I’m wiser. But, I am still pretty goofy.” What activities were you involved in?: “I played volleyball, basketball, and I ran track. I was also in Key Club (a service club), National Honors Society, and the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).” Favorite subject(s) in high school?: “Math.” Did you ever think you’d become a teacher?: “No, not at first. I went into business and then I started tutoring football players that studied tables (for extra money) and I liked it.” |