Depression
Erin's story: Bipolar Disorder

Among young people, depression is common.
Erin has a type of depression called bipolar disease. She tells how she got the help she needs.

Erin remembers thinking she didn't want to live, even when she was very young.

"I would do really stupid things," she says. "Pull knives, try to jump out windows, or lash out at people for no reason.

At age 11, Erin was diagnosed with bipolar disease, a type of depression that can be treated. At first Erin was angry. She didn't like being told she had a disease.

"I remember being really pissed off and denying it," she says. "I didn't want to be different, and I thought I was going to be like, a 'retard.' I refused my medicine at times."

As Erin grew older and more mature, she began to accept herself. Having bipolar disease was like having diabetes: it wasn't her fault.

"I looked back on what I'd done and what the doctors told me," she says. "Maybe bipolar disease really is the diagnosis."

Now when Erin feels depressed, she knows what to do. "I need to talk to someone," she says. "I can't sit back, because I get really sick."

Erin has learned healthier ways to deal with her feelings. "I need to take a deep breath if I'm about to lash out at someone, or I'm not going to like the result."

Erin also takes medicine now, though sometimes she doesn't want to. But she does want to stay healthy and reach her goals.

"I'm in a band, so I could be a musician," she says. "In school I work with handicapped children, so I'd like to work with handicapped children if I'm not a musician."

Erin has a message for others living with feelings of depression.

"Getting help is a must," she says. "You could end up having really bad things happen."

Erin is glad she got help. Otherwise, she doubts she would be alive. Now when she faces struggles, she can get through them.

People feel depressed for many reasons. If you feel depressed, please tell someone you trust. Talking about your feelings is a sign of strength.