Have you noticed that this seems to be the time of year when some people feel down and out? This time of year can be pretty tough on some people; whether it is what some people call "cabin fever" or just the winter blahs, everyone feels isolated, bored, and depressed at some point. The question is, how do you know when what you are feeling is just a passing bout of the blahs or something more serious? Let us take a closer look to determine the difference.

Possible Signs of Depression:

• Lack of enthusiasm, low energy or motivation
• Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed
• Frequent physical complaints-such as headaches - stomach aches
• Persistent sadness and hopelessness
• Increased irritability or agitation
• Missed school or poor school performance
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• You seem to be either eating too much to try to satisfy a vacant feeling inside of you OR you eat very little because eating seems so insignificant.
• You sleep too much or too little.
• You feel guilty, hopeless, and useless. In other words, your self-esteem is practically miniscule.
• You feel either very restless or extremely tired.

According to Rachel Ryan, author of "What to do when you or a friend are Feeling Depressed," if you have had several of the above symptoms for more than two weeks, you might be dealing with depression. If you have the last symptom, you need to get help immediately. Call a help line or go to a counselor and don't let yourself be alone. Surround yourself with people or call someone on the phone. (See the bottom of this article for a list of websites where you can find lots of help and a list of 24/7 hotlines to help).

Here are a few suggestions by Rachel Ryan as posted on http://www.teenadviceonline.org/articles/: that might help you to shake those blues in no time: Thanks, Rachel! J

• Rent your favorite videos….especially funny ones to make you laugh. Laughing has been proven to make you happier!
• When you're feeling down, don't make any big decisions like whether or not to break up with your boyfriend/girlfriend or whether to take that AP Calculus class. Wait until you're feeling better so you can rationally weigh the ups and downs of your decisions.
• Do some things that you enjoy or that will keep you busy…like exercising or cleaning your room.
• Try to be with other people. It will make you feel better. (Preferably REAL people you can see and touch and not the online kind if at all possible!)
• Don't expect too much of yourself. Remember…no one's perfect. Don't try to be all things to all people.
• Volunteer. It'll take your mind off your own troubles and onto some larger ones. Helping others in need will make you feel good about yourself.
• Face the things that you're dreading.
• Listen to soothing music (your fav HANSON songs!) or sing at the top of your lungs (I suggest that you don't do this where there are lots of people.)
• Buy yourself a present or buy someone else a present.
• Call a friend.
• Take a long walk by yourself (if you live in a safe neighborhood) to think things over. Sometimes a change of scenery and some fresh air helps you to see things in a new light.
• Remember to sleep. Try to fall asleep at a regular time and wake up at a set time. You know that old saying, "Things will look better in the morning?" It's true.
• Give someone a hug. It will make you feel better and it will make them feel good also.
• Read one of your old favorite books or a new one that you've been wanting to read but haven't had the time. ·