What you need to know about... ADHD

Sarah Ford
Staff Writer

At some point or another, every student has trouble paying attention in school. It could be because they can’t sit still or have other things on their mind. Although inattention isn’t necessarily a good thing, it is not a cause for concern at first. Inattention becomes a problem when it is happening more often than not and when it begins to affect the student’s everyday life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is, “one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.” Eleven percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, and 6.1% are receiving ADHD medication.

What you need to know about... Depression

Kenison Garratt
Staff Writer

At one time or another everyone experiences feelings of sadness or maybe even despair.  However, just because you’re going through a hard time or you have had a bad day doesn’t mean you have depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America define major depression as, “A condition in which a person feels discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general.” 

It sounds familiar enough, but don’t get too worried, major depression would be intense negative feelings lasting for more than two weeks. This means feeling bad for a couple of days, although unenjoyable, doesn’t mean you should be heading to a psychologist or turning to medication. “Everyone has transient feelings of sadness and depression, especially in response to losses.  But when the feelings and symptoms ... become intense and debilitating (interfering with daily living), and persist for more than a few days, then it might be clinical depression,” Jeanne L. Bolick LCSW says. 

Quick Info on Depression:

• Three types: Major Depression, Dysthymia (Persistent Depression) and bipolar disorder.
• Major depression is intense negative feelings lasting for more than two weeks.
• Depression would interfere with daily life.
• There are treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and medication.
• If contemplating suicide, it is crucial that you seek help immediately.
• There are many sources for support: Trusted friends and family, health care professionals, the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline (1.800.273.8255)

Just feeling down?

• Music and talking with trusted friends and family could also help with feelings of sadness.
• Exercise is proven to help improve your mood by releasing endorphins into your blood stream. 
• Deep breathing, meditation and thinking positively can help your outlook on life.
• A healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help to brighten your day.
• Talking with a doctor about taking natural supplements to help boost your emotional health is also an option.

What you should know about... Anxiety

Sarah Ford
Staff Writer

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in his or her life. It is what makes people study more for their history test and be extra careful while driving on the highway. So, anxiety can be a good thing. However, it transitions into an anxiety disorder when the anxious feelings are felt more often than not and don’t always have an obvious cause.

Amelia Kelley, M.S., LPC defines anxiety as, “A pervasive feeling of worry or dread that interrupts daily life functioning and is not able to be lessened or extinguished easily by the person suffering from these thoughts. Often the worry or dread is concerning events not actually occurring, but predicted events.”

Whether teens have an anxiety disorder or are just feeling excess stress and anxiety, they can learn to deal with it. One coping mechanism that has proven effective is ensuring that teens get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise. All three of these can improve mood and energy, along with lower stress levels for many. Another coping mechanism that has proven effective for many people is keeping a positive attitude. This helps people to rid their minds of the stress and anxiety. By feeding themselves a positive message, they are able to focus on the good in their lives rather than the bad.