Depression kills dropouts.

I believe depression kills dropouts.  But it’s a slow death.

Do students dropout of high school because they’re happy?

In reasons to dropout of high school I discussed some common reasons students dropout of high school.  I don’t think anyone of those reasons was a happy reason to dropout.  Unwanted pregnancies, illness in families, falling behind in school, giving up hope, that’s why people dropout of high school.

Do adult dropouts suffer from depression?

I’m not a psychologist (but I do have them as friends).  So I can’t prove to you that adult high school dropouts do or do not suffer from depression.

Adult high school dropouts are more apt to be depressed, unemployed, in prison, or ill at an early age.  Given enough time I could prove this to you.  But do you really need to be convinced?  When’s the last time you met a happy adult high school dropout?

Of the ten high school dropouts I have known, I wouldn’t say a single one of them was happy.  There’s always a lingering regret:  depression.

How can I fight depression?

Get treatment.  Call it a fight, call it what you will, if you think you are depressed, address that issue.

High school student with depression?

If you are facing the classic reasons for dropping out of school like pregnancy, illness in the family, feelings of worthlessness in class, visit your social service counselor today.

Maybe you’re the poor student at school.  Maybe you’re the tough guy that gives teachers a hard time.  Maybe you’re the young guy falling asleep in class because you worked 8 hours last night on a part-time job.  Perhaps you’re the young lady who became pregnant.

Depressed?  Tell your parents and ask for help.

Or if your parents can’t help you, get help at school.

Walk down your high school hallway today and make an appointment for depression.  If you go to a decent school, you’ll get decent help.  If you go to a horrible school and no one cares (it does happen), make an appointment with the principal asking for counseling.

If you are sincere in your requests for help and advice, and nobody at your school will listen, do more.  Call a local social service agency.  Call the newspaper and ask for an interview regarding the high school dropout rate in your town.  Do whatever it takes.

The world is full of confused, sometimes depressed high school students.  The students who are proactive in dealing with their depression are rare.  It’s a form of boldness.  You will get noticed, and hopefully help.

Adult dropout with depression?

I think depression among high school dropouts is hidden or masked.  If you’re lucky enough to have a job and a paycheck, you probably feel pretty good, most days.

But I remember the hope in Miguel’s eyes (age 29) when I asked if he might get a GED.  His eyes flashed for a moment with hope, and then the light faded.  He and his wife are both high school dropouts.

Where can you get help for depression when you’re an adult?  Perhaps your employer’s health insurance has programs for you.  Perhaps you can call a social agency for help or advice.

I’ve never seen an ongoing study on the Internet that discusses the depression suffered by dropouts from high school into adulthood.  I have no doubt there are successful dropouts who suffer no depression at all.  Some high school dropouts are famous singers and actor/actresses.  But they are rare.

Depression murders high school dropouts everyday

Depression can kill you just as certain as a gun, it just takes longer (harsh words, but I believe they are accurate).  Carrying the same burden with you every day becomes harder with age as the burdens increase.  If you are a high school dropout, student or adult, seek help for your depression.