Depression

Depression doesn't come on suddenly First, a person goes through a period of long-term stress. The stress may last for weeks, months, or even years.

Dwayne was a responsible kid and a good stu dent who was well liked by his teachers. He had many friends, belonged to a religious youth group, was captain of the basketball team, and was a part-time cashier on weekends. His parents were very proud of him and praised him constantly. It seemed as if Dwayne could do no wrong.

The stress of always having to be the “per fect” teenager was hard on Dwayne. After months of living with this stress, he began to feel overwhelmed. “Dwayne, can you be in charge of the junior class car wash next week end?” “Dwayne, are you running for student council president?” “Dwayne, can you write an article for the school paper about the basketball team's winning season?” Everyone expected him to take on additional responsibility.

Dwayne became so overwhelmed by all of his obligations that it seemed as if he had lost control of his life. He had so many things to do that he no longer did any of them well He had trouble remembering the simplest tasks. He jumped from one thing to another, never fin ishing anything. Soon Dwayne began feeling helpless and hopeless. He was often in a bad mood. The smile and good words he used to have for people vanished. In the privacy and quiet of his room, he often cried.