Depression
Depression in Teenagers
Depression is a serious problem that affects teenagers
by negatively impacting their life if not diagnosed and
treated properly. Statistics show that 1 in 8 adolescents
may be suffering from depression. Unfortunately, 30
percent of those that experience the mental and emotional
turmoil caused by depression are not properly treated.
Depression is difficult to diagnose in teenagers due
to their up and down mood swings common for this age
group. In teenagers, moods and feelings can alternate
between periods where life is perceived as either great -
or awful. However, these periods are short lasting for a
few hours or a few days. True depression is characterized
by long-lasting symptoms that persist over a 2 weeks
period.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of teen depression include the
following:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, rage, hostility, and
frustration
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and anxiety
- Extremely sensitivity to criticism
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Social withdrawal and isolation (from friends and
family)
- Lack of enthusiasm and energy
- Decreased motivation or desire to be involved in
different activities (sports, hobbies)
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Rebellious, destructive or promiscuous behaviors
- Unexplained pains or aches
- Sloppy or neglected appearance
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression Causes, Triggers and Risk Factors:
Depression can be triggered by different events, such as:
Pressure associated with
puberty’s psychological aspects (teens are
trying to figure out their own identity, who they
are and where they fit) as well as physical
aspects (caused by the influence of sex
hormones).
Parental conflicts and the need
for independence associated with the natural
transition between the childhood and adulthood.
Disturbing events such as the
death of a close friend or relative, and
break-ups with a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Every
teenager can be at risk to develop depression,
but there are certain groups of adolescents that
are more prone to depression. The main risk
factors for depression among teenagers include:
Gender:
Females are almost twice more vulnerable
to depression than males.
Long-term or
chronic illnesses: Adolescents
that suffer from long-term or chronic
illnesses have an increased risk to
develop depression.
Family history of
depression.
Dysfunctional or
disrupted family environment:
Abused or neglected teenagers, problems
caused by divorce, death in family.
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If left undiagnosed and not
treated, depression can have a devastating and negative
impact on every aspect of the teenager's life which can
lead to unwanted baggage that is carried on into
adulthood. Unfortunately, depression effects can go
beyond mundane melancholy and sad moods and lead to the
more negative consquence which include:
School problems:
Depression causes a decreased level of energy,
decreased interest and motivation in school
related activities. The adolescent might skip
school, get bad grades, and refuse to complete
homework.
Drug and alcohol abuse:
Some teens might use drugs or alcohol to cope
with the problems and stress they experience.
However, these attempts can become more serious,
because an increased amount of drugs or alcohol
over a long period of time can lead to addiction.
Teen
drug abuse should be addressed with care,
compassion, and a sense of urgency
Running away from home:
Many teens choose to run away from home or talk
about doing it as an attempt of solving the
distress. Usually, this is a cry sign for help.
Low self-esteem problems:
Many teenagers suffer from feelings of
ugliness or unworthiness. Unfortunately,
depression can increase or intensify these
feelings.
Eating disorders:
Depression can cause a series of eating disorders
such as: bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, and
yo-yo diets expecially amount the girls.
Self-injuries:
Depression can cause cutting, burning, and other
kinds of self-mutilation problems.
Promiscuous behavior:
Teenagers that suffer from depression might
engage in sexual activities or have sexual
intercourse with multiple partners.
Aggressive behavior: This
type of behavior is more common among males, but
there are cases when girls also become
aggressive.
Suicide: Suicide
is a very serious problem in teenagers, and is
one of the leading causes of death among
adolescents.
Unfortunately, it is estimated that
approximately 500,000 teenagers try to commit suicide
every year and almost 5,000 actually succeed. Depressed
teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide. Signs of
suicidal plans include:
Talking or threatening to kill
themselves.
Preparing for death by giving
away favorite possessions, writing good-bye
letters, or writing a will.
Talking about the future without
hope.
An unhealthy fascination with
death and the natural and/or accidental death of
other living things.
Usually, a suicide attempt is an act of desperation
when the teenager perceives his or hers problems as
overwhelming and unbearable.
Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Depression Bibliography
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