BVA Counseling Center
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 Depression


**Important Disclaimer:
​This page is for information purposes only. BVA does not recommend any specific therapy modality. BVA does not recommend any provider or course of treatment. This page is designed to provide information to help you understand depression, give you some tools for coping, and ideas to talk to your primary care physician about.**

How to help a friend with depression
6 Differences Between Sadness & Depression
8 Things People with Depression With Other People Understood

What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. 

*Information from the American Psychiatric Association here*
What is Depression
Signs of Teenage Depression
Describing Depression to an Illustrator
Teenage Depression
Parent Handbook on Teenage Depression

Understanding the Biology of Depression

**These videos reference each other. Watch the Neuroscience video before the Psychology video**
Neuroscience of Depression
Psychology of Depression

Evidence-Based Treatments

Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a mental health professional. If you have severe depression, you may need a hospital stay, or you may need to participate in an outpatient treatment program until your symptoms improve.

The first step toward getting treatment is to talk to your primary care physician or to contact a local mental health provider for an assessment.

When Depression Becomes More

Depression can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide. See the Suicide Prevention page for information and resources.

Living with Depression

There are activities and coping skills that you can use to cope with depression.  The activities and resources in our Wellness Section are a great place to start. Try out these activities, practice them and see which ones work for you.

Helpful Apps

There are plenty of free and paid apps out there for anxiety. Make sure you check out the Smartphone Apps page for some ideas to get you started.

Want to Learn More?

These videos are in-depth looks at depressive disorders as well as biomedical treatments. Both are very detailed and assume you have background knowledge. Watch them for more detailed information on these topics.
Depressive Disorders
Biomedical Treatments

Accessibility:  Any website accessibility concerns or input you wish to share may be brought to the attention of the webmaster at mwardle@bethelsd.org. The website is the work of many authors and is a dynamic environment. There is the possibility that accessibility difficulties may be encountered.

Limitation of Liability: By using this Website, you agree to absolve Bethel School District and counselors of any liability or loss that you or any other person may incur from use of the information, products or materials that you request or receive through or on our website. You agree that we will not be liable to you, or to any other individual, company or entity, for any type of damages, including direct, indirect, special, incidental, equitable or consequential loss or damages, for use of or reliance on our website. You agree that we do not assume liability for accidents, delays, injuries, harm, loss, damage, death, lost profits, personal or business interruptions, misapplication of information, physical or mental disease or condition or issue, or any other type of loss or damage due to any act or default by us or anyone acting as our agent, consultant, affiliate, director, team member, or anyone otherwise affiliated with our school or program, who is engaged in delivering content on or through this Website

Purpose: Bethel Virtual Academy counselor assume no responsibility for how you use any information, services, products or documents provided through this site. Nothing contained on the site shall constitute professional advice for medical or mental health diagnosis or treatment.  None of the information available on this site shall be construed as an endorsement, guarantee, representation or warranty with respect to any medical or mental health practitioner or medical or mental health treatment. Use of the site is at your own risk.
​
Adapted from Rock County School Counselors Disclaimer Statements
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ASCA National Model
    • School Counseling Profession
    • Mission, Vision & Belief Statements
    • Staff & Appointments
  • Technology Help
  • Academic
    • New Student Information
    • High School Planning
    • Virtual Learning
    • Academic Skills
    • Academic Tutoring
    • Transcripts & Fines
    • Credit Retrieval & Graduation Options
    • Graduation Requirements
    • Senior Class of 2023
    • Running Start
    • Pierce County Skills Center
  • College & Career
    • BVA Advisory
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Entrance Assessments
    • College Planning >
      • Postsecondary Options
      • First Steps
      • School Selection
      • Campus Visits
      • Application Process
      • Final Steps
    • Military Planning
    • Apprenticeship Planning
    • Teen Employment
  • Social/Emotional
    • Social/Emotional Learning
    • Teen Self-Help Workbooks
    • COVID 19
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Smartphone Apps
    • Hotlines, Textlines & Resources
  • Wellness
    • Virtual Calming Room >
      • Sounds & Music
      • Video
      • Live Animal Cameras
      • Mindfulness
      • Guided Meditations
      • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
      • Deep Breathing
      • Yoga & Stretching
      • Art & Creativity
      • Puzzles & Games
      • Journaling
      • Humor
      • Virtual Tours
      • Virtual Rides
      • Motivational & Inspirational
    • Sleep
    • Nutrition
    • Exercise
    • Grit & Growth Mindset