Teen Depression-Why? What Can Help?

Create a "First-Aid Kit" for Your Emotions

If you suffer from depression, a practical suggestion to help you control your thoughts and feelings is to create what has been called an emotional first-aid kit. The kit, which can be adjusted as you see fit, might include the items on this page.

* Contact information of people to call when you feel down

* Favorite songs that are positive and upbuilding

* Inspirational sayings and encouraging articles

* A list of comforting and upbuilding sayings from the Bible, such as Psalm 34:18; 51:17; 94:19; Philippians 4:6, 7.

* Mementos to remind you of people who love you

* A journal containing your positive thoughts as well as positive experiences you have enjoyed

Depression and Teenage Girls

The incidences of depression in  teenage girls appears to be higher than that of boys.  One factor may be the stress resulting from emotional, physical, or sexual harassment or abuse, which girls often have to cope with.  "When a scary external world and a chaotic internal world collide," wrote professional counselor Sharon Hersh,  "the result is often overwhelming and confusing."  Girls may also be unduly influenced by media portrayals of the "ideal body. A