Do you ever just feel down and out, like nothing's going your way? Imagine feeling like that for weeks, months, or even years at a time. That's what depression feels like. The constant low mood and low energy, negative thoughts, and changes to your lifestyle may all be caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain.
If this is something you're dealing with, find the strength and courage to tell someone — a friend, family member or teacher. Opening up to someone is the first step in getting the help you need. If you think a friend is dealing with depression, it's important to be supportive, talk to them, and help them through as best you can. Let them know they aren't alone in this!
Mood Busters
Exercise/Diet
Greatly improves the health of your body and mind.
Going Outside
Fresh air or a change in scenery can be great for when you might be feeling down.
Being Creative
Drawing, playing music, or any creative activity is a wonderful way to express yourself and let your mind focus on something other than the depression.
True or False?
- It is possible to live a full satisfying life with depression.
- Studies show 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth report experiencing depression
- Mental illness is a character flaw.
- Only 1 in 5 youth with a mental illness will receive help.
- Canada's youth suicide rate isn't really that high.
- People with mental illness are “crazy,” “insane,” “psycho,” or “lunatics”.
- After receiving services for depression, 80% of people claim the services were effective.
- Medication is the only way to treat a mental illness.
- If you feel depressed you are not alone.
Answers
1. True 2. True 3. False 4. True 5. False 6. False 7. True 8. False 9. True
MDAM Youth Services
Let It Out Programs
These are 1-2 week camps that develop skills in areas like music, dance, or sports, and integrate them with mental health education. There is a daily support group and staff with peer-support training. We create a safe environment for youth to have fun and learn about mental health.
Youth Group
Mondays 6:30-8 p.m. and Wednesdays 5:30-7 p.m. at 4 Fort Street, come talk with other youth who have similar experiences to you.
Presentations
We do a variety of presentations about mental health. These presentations can be done in your school, community centre, workplace, etc. Feel free to call or email us to book a presentation.
1 on 1 Peer Support
Talk to a peer who has gone through struggles and understands how to listen.
Contact
100-4 Fort Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday - Friday
Phone: (204) 786-0987