How do I know if I have depression or anxiety?

Hey chick, a lot of people our age go through feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety or low moods, and it’s actually really common. It’s totally normal to feel nervous, down, or unsure at times, but when things like poor sleep, changes in appetite, or finding it hard to connect with others start to stick around, it can be a sign that you might be experiencing anxiety or depression.

Sometimes these two can overlap, like trouble sleeping (either sleeping too much or not enough), finding it hard to concentrate, wanting to be alone, or avoiding stressful or social situations. You might be experiencing one or the other, or sometimes both at the same time, and that’s okay, it doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken.

If you’ve been feeling this way often, for a long time, and it’s starting to affect your daily life or relationships, it could be a good idea to reach out for support from someone like the school psychologists or a trusted adult in your life. Talking to someone about how you’re feeling can feel scary at first, but it’s actually a really strong and brave step to take. You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about asking for help, everyone needs support at different times in their lives.

If you want to learn more, I’ve put together some pages with info about depression and anxiety, plus links to places where you can reach out for help and support.

Arohanui, Māmā Ruru