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DOWN IN THE DUMPS

When does feeling sad become clinical depression?

Many people think that depression is a temporary period of sadness, not lasting more than a day or two. That is mostly true. But for some students, it may be more serious.

Depression becomes an illness when it is prolonged - that means, you feel sad for a long time, so much that the sadness eats into your enjoyment of normal things like going out for meals or hanging out with friends.

When the sadness gets this bad, depression becomes a medical problem, and different from the everyday meaning of ""being depressed''.

Usually, depression is the result of a combination of things - school work, family pressure, relationship problems - not just the result of one upsetting situation.

Sometimes, there is no reason at all.

It is also not something you can just ""snap out of''. Doctors say it is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. So, like any serious medical condition, it needs to be treated.

Depression can make you feel hopeless and helpless. But just taking the first step to get treatment can make all the difference.

If you have been feeling depressed continuously for some time, you may want to seek help to make yourself feel better.

Here are some symptoms of depression:
- Feeling ""sian'' and sad most of the time
- Having no energy and just want to sleep
- Getting easily irritated by small things
- Having thoughts of death or suicide

GOT THE BLUES? HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY!
If you are feeling down in the dumps, or know of a friend who could use some help, here are some numbers you can call.

For suicide prevention, call 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)
For drug-related issues, call 1800-733-4444 (24 hours)
For financial troubles, call 1800-2255-227 For teen pregnancy advice, call 6339-9770 For family problems, call 1800-838-0100


What is the main reason why students become depressed? Click to view poll results!