In a society where people are expected to look a certain way, act a certain way, or be someone they’re not, it’s incredibly easy to lose every sense of identity, and fall into the pool of “normal”. These are some of the main causes of depression in students. Although there are many other causes, the chemical imbalance that is constantly present, can mess up everyday life, and not a lot of people know how to cope, or what things they can do to get through it, but there is always something you can do to take action and help yourself.

About 250 students at Lebanon High School get help from the school in the aspect of depression. But some students aren’t interested in talking, or seeking help, want to get through it on their own, and deal with it in their own way.

“I just sit in my room and try to distance myself from people, which usually makes me feel a little better. No one really helps me because I try not to listen to other people,” said junior Emma McCabe.

“Even though I do feel sad or depressed frequently, it isn’t enough for others to be concerned about it,” said McCabe.

Self-care is something that is extremely important, especially during an episode of depression. Here is a provided list of things you can do to manage these feelings on your own, and in your own way:

• Reach out to those you love
• Practice gratitude 
• Focus on the present
• Remove the toxic things in your phone (people you follow, things that don’t bring joy)
• Cultivate your curiosity
• Work on tuning out negative thoughts
• Read
• Art
• Practice mindfulness
• Journal or record thoughts and feelings

Always know that you are not your depression. It doesn’t define you, and there will be ways to get help, and make the effort to take care of yourself.