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How do I know when I'm depressed?
How can I tell if a friend is depressed?
First, there are two kinds of depression: The sad kind, called major depression, or dysthymia; and manic-depression or bipolar illness, when feeling down and depressed alternates with being speeded-up and sometimes acting reckless.
If you or a friend have had several of these symptoms, and they've lasted several weeks, or cause a big change in your routine, you should talk to someone who can help, like a psychologist, or your school counselor!
READ!!
Q.My Friend Is Sleeping Around
My friend is 13 and is having sex with random guys and acts like it's no big deal. I feel like boys just use her because she is easy. How do I let her know that I feel like she's doing something dangerous?
-Anonymous, 13
A. You are right in saying your friend is engaging in dangerous behavior. For one thing, she is putting herself at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and perhaps even sexual violence. The best thing you can do is talk to her privately, and start by telling her these things very bluntly. Let her how much you care about her and that you're worried she might get hurt.
But it sounds like your friend is already hurt if not physically, then emotionally. Using sex to get attention from boys is not good for the body, and it's not good for the soul. It changes sex from something loving and intimate into something empty and meaningless. Offer to go with her to your local Planned Parenthood, or to another teen clinic or outreach center, so she can talk to someone there. And if there is a trusted adult in her life, or yours, encourage her to confide in this person. It sounds like your friend may be suffering from some pretty serious problems to cause her to act this way, and will need counseling and close, understanding friends to help her deal and heal.
-Kate Forest, MSW
Need answers about your body? Write us at askanything@ym.com. And get your guy friends to write in, too. Don't worry, we don't need to know your name. All letters become property of YM and may be reused in other media.
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