Empowering youth in and from government care in BC

How do I know if I'm depressed?

You might be depressed if the way you think and feel has changed. Some common symptoms are:

• Feeling unhappy or empty.
• Having dark and gloomy thoughts.
• Thinking about death or suicide.
• Feeling numb.
• Thinking that you're worthless or a failure.
• Constantly criticizing and blaming yourself.
• Being unable to concentrate.
• Finding it very difficult to make decisions.
• Feeling unmotivated to do anything.
• Losing interest in activities that you used to think were fun.

 Other signs of depression are changes in how you act. Some common behaviours are:

• Crying a lot.
• Not doing as well as you usually do at school or work.
• Not wanting to be with your friends.
• Being grumpy and irritable with your family and friends.
• Having problems sleeping or staying in bed all day long.
• Not eating because you don't feel hungry.

Watch and learn about depression:

I think I'm depressed. What can I do?

There are things you can do on your own and different professionals you can talk to.

• Explore self-care resources and tools. Check out Foundry.ca
• Seek support from someone you know and trust. Talk to them about how you're feeling. 
• Call the Crisis Centre at 1-800-SUICIDE. They're available anytime of the day or night. 
• Call the Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789. They're available anytime of the day or night.
• Chat online to a support person at YouthinBC. They're available from noon to 1am. 
• Text Youthspace at 778-783-0177. Support workers are available 6pm to 12am every night for online chats and texting.
• Visit your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe therapy, and/or medication.