Grey Weeks

Kavya, sixteen, used to dance in her room and chat for hours with her cousin in Chennai. Over the last two months she stopped answering calls, quit her dance class and began sleeping through weekend afternoons. Her marks fell. When her mother asked what was wrong, she said, "Nothing. I'm just tired," and closed the door.

Her father thought it was laziness and lectured her about wasting her talent. Kavya felt worse. She told her diary she was 'useless' and a burden. She was eating very little, irritable one day and numb the next, and she had stopped looking forward to anything.

Her class teacher noticed her red eyes and talked to her quietly. She called the parents and suggested a doctor. The doctor explained that this was more than a bad mood: it had lasted more than two weeks, changed her sleep, appetite, energy and thoughts, and stopped her usual life. With counselling, regular routines, her family listening, and some small activities, Kavya began to feel the grey lift. Her father apologised for the lecture, and she danced again by the end of the year.

Kavya later told her counsellor that what helped most was not advice but the first evening her mother simply sat beside her and said nothing, and stayed.

How to recognise it

Low or irritable mood most of the day for two weeks or more.
Loss of interest in things once enjoyed, withdrawal from friends.
Changes in sleep, appetite and energy; trouble concentrating; school marks falling.
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or being a burden.
In teenagers, irritability and anger can show more than sadness.

What this story explains

This story shows how depression differs from normal sadness and how it shows up in young people.

Probable root causes

Changes in brain chemistry and family history of depression.
Stressful events such as exam pressure, bullying or family conflict.
Self-critical thinking patterns and low self-esteem.
Hormonal and developmental changes in adolescence.
Loneliness, poor sleep and little activity.

What to do

Sit down privately and say what you have noticed with kindness.
Listen without lecturing, correcting or comparing.
Keep sleep, meals and a little daily movement going.
Help her return to one small activity she used to enjoy.
Involve the school counsellor and a doctor early.
Ask directly and calmly whether she has thoughts of not wanting to live, and if yes, stay with her and contact the local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital.

Whom to consult

Family doctor or paediatrician as a first step.
School counsellor for daily support and academic adjustments.
Child and adolescent psychologist or psychiatrist if low mood continues beyond two weeks or affects daily life.
Emergency service or hospital at once if she talks about ending her life.

Do and don’t

Do	Don’t
Take her seriously.	Do not say 'snap out of it'.
Spend regular quiet time together.	Do not call it laziness or attention-seeking.
Keep routines gentle and steady.	Do not punish for withdrawn behaviour.
Praise small efforts.	Do not compare with others.
Stay patient; recovery has ups and downs.	Do not leave serious talk of self-harm unattended.

How to behave and communicate

Use a quiet, caring tone: "I have noticed you seem very low. I am here and I am not angry."
Let silences be; do not fill them with advice.
Reflect: "It sounds like everything feels heavy."
Ask open questions: "What has been the hardest part?"
Thank her for telling you.