Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
When I was in junior high school, darkness began filling my mind. I don’t know the day or the reason 1 it began. All I know is that I started feeling hopeless and worthless. I hid in my room, 2 (stare) out of the window, thinking about all my failures. I even questioned 3 being alive was worthwhile. My dark mood wasn’t constant. It would fade at times, but it always returned.
It was my parents that helped me identify the shadow 4 hung over my life — depression. Depression is 5 mental illness that drains your energy and prevents you from enjoying life. It can keep you from succeeding at school or work or from connecting with others. At its 6 (bad), depression can even lead to suicide.
When your mood is dark, how do you know whether you are depressed or just sad? Think about how long the feelings 7 (last). If they have persisted for weeks or months, get help.
No one 8 face depression alone. If you’re depressed, find someone — a friend, parent, teacher or pastor — and tell them your feelings. Consider seeing a doctor or psychologist, if they are getting worse.
When I was depressed, I was 9 (embarrass) to tell anyone. I didn’t want to seem weak or needy. But when I told my friends, they supported and encouraged me.
In fact, 10 depression affects many people worldwide, treatments are available and can bring hope and joy back into their life.