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Excerpt from Chapter 8.
Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression: How Can I Tell If I'm Really in Trouble?
HOW CAN I DEAL WITH DEPRESSION AND DEPRESSED FRIENDS?
— Linda, age 13
If you are feeling depressed, the first thing to do is to find someone who will listen without trying to tell you that you should not feel so sad or that you have nothing to worry about. Your concerns are serious and real. If a friend wants to talk to you about being depressed, the same is true. The role of listener is very important—just listening without trying to fix the situation is helpful. But it is also important to remember that depression can be very serious. It can be much deeper than the sadness everyone feels now and again. This kind of depression may need the help of a professional. If you fear for the safety of someone who has confided in you, talk to an adult you trust right away, and get help as quickly as possible.
