Dear greatpretender,

It's important to follow a health care provider's instructions when taking any prescription medication, as over-medicating can be extremely dangerous to your health. Be honest with your health care provider about what's working and what's not - and how you're feeling emotionally - so that you can get the medical care you need. Don't be embarrassed. Your clinician has had a lot of experience with the way people handle grief and can help you deal safely with the medicine that has been prescribed.

A person who is depressed experiences a number of these symptoms:

• Life seems like it has no meaning - you feel like nothing good is ever going to happen again.
• You've lost interest in the things you used to like - hanging out with friends, sports, music.
• You feel sad or cry a lot and it doesn't go away, or you have no feelings about anything.
  
• You feel guilty for no reason, or you feel worthless.
• You often get angry and overreact to criticism, or feel restless and easily agitated.
• Your sleep patterns change - you start sleeping a lot, you have trouble falling asleep at night, or you wake up really early in the morning and you can't get back to sleep.
• You feel less energetic or "slowed down."
• You have difficulty concentrating, remember things, or making decisions. You may not do as well in school as you used to, or have problems with authority figures.
• Your eating habits change - you've lost your appetite, or you eat a lot more all of a sudden.
• You may start to experiment with drugs or alcohol.
• You think about death a lot of the time, or you think about killing yourself.

According to the National Mental Health Association, more than 19 million Americans suffer from depression each year - and one in five teens. If you're depressed, you may feel alone, but the fact is, you're not alone.

If you are depressed, it's vital that you talk with someone who can help you through it. Friends can be a great support system, but often, that's not enough. Teens who are unhappy and depressed - or even think they may be depressed - may want to talk with a trusted adult, like a parent, guidance counselor, teacher, or clinician, who can help them get connected with a professional who can talk with them, make a professional diagnosis, and suggest treatment, if it's necessary. For more information and resources, contact Planned Parenthood for a referral by calling 1-800-230-PLAN.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.