4. Check your answers!

Look at this infographic, paying particular attention to the ‘warning signs’ section.  Are there any signs you missed when you completed the downward depression spiral?  If so, why not add them in.

Now, look at the bottom part of the infographic. These are some ways in which young people can manage the symptoms of depression.

Using this information and your knowledge from the fact file, write down on your worksheet, or piece of paper, how you might use one of these tips to help manage depression effectively.

Can you note any other ways in which a young person might manage their depression effectively? Write these down as well.

Feeling stuck?

It’s often the case that low self-esteem (how negatively you think about yourself) can lead to low mood or depression. Pick your favourite tips about boosting self-esteem from here…

• Changing your ‘story’ – we all create a ‘story’ about ourselves. When we have low self-esteem this story is often negative.  Change the story into something positive and see how it might change your outlook on yourself. Put it into practice!
• Ditch the ‘Self Bully’: We can often have a very ‘bullying’ self-critical view of ourselves, which, a bit like a bully, brings us down. Change your voice into a coach instead. So instead of saying ‘I’m useless’, practice saying ‘I can improve if I try it differently’
• Stop comparing! When we are depressed, because our thinking is negative it’s easy to ‘compare and despair’. Recognise your positives and work on building these. Start now by writing five positive things a young person (like you, for example) might say.