1. Loss of Interest: Melinda loses interest in activities she used to enjoy, such as art, which was once her passion. She becomes apathetic and lacks the motivation to engage in her hobbies or participate in social activities.
2. Social Withdrawal: Melinda isolates herself from her friends and classmates. She avoids social interactions, preferring to be alone in her thoughts. This withdrawal leads to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others.
3. Changes in Appetite: Melinda experiences changes in her eating habits. She loses her appetite and struggles to eat regularly, leading to weight loss.
4. Insomnia: Melinda has difficulty sleeping. She tosses and turns in bed, unable to quiet her mind and find restful sleep.
5. Negative Self-Talk: Melinda engages in negative self-talk, constantly berating herself and feeling worthless. She blames herself for the traumatic event that happened to her and sees herself as a burden to others.
6. Emotional Numbness: Melinda feels emotionally numb and disconnected from her surroundings. She describes herself as feeling "like I'm underwater" or "like I'm invisible."
7. Mood Changes: Melinda experiences extreme mood swings, shifting between sadness, anger, and irritation. She struggles to control her emotions and often feels overwhelmed by them.
8. Lack of Concentration: Melinda has difficulty concentrating in school. Her mind wanders, and she finds it challenging to focus on her studies, leading to a decline in her academic performance.
9. Thoughts of Self-Harm: Melinda contemplates self-harm as a means of coping with her emotional pain. She engages in self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting herself, to release pent-up emotions.
10. Suicidal Ideation: Melinda experiences thoughts of suicide as her depression deepens. She feels hopeless and believes that her life is not worth living, considering suicide as a way to escape her suffering.
It's important to note that Melinda's depression is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including the traumatic event she experienced. Her symptoms serve as indicators of her emotional distress and the urgent need for professional support and intervention to help her overcome her depression.