About Teenage Depression
Teenage depression may not appear to be an overwhelming problem that affects today’s youth. However, more than likely, this is because real teenage depression is often overlooked and dismissed as hormonal changes or it being “just a phase.” Sadly, teen depression is a real problem that affects millions of teens every year. In fact, as many as one in eight teens suffer from depression at any given time. Dealing with teenage depression may seem scary and overwhelming, but with the right, tools, knowledge and resources it can be very manageable.
Why Do Teens Get Depressed?
There are many reasons why a teen may suffer from depression and sometimes the underlying causes are difficult to pinpoint. Teenagers may become depressed over feeling as though their grades are inadequate. Likewise, social status and popularity are big factors involved in a child’s feelings of self-worth. If a teen is not accepted by a particular social group, it can be emotionally devastating and lead to feelings of worthlessness. Sexual orientation can also be a cause. When a teen’s sexual feelings go against the social norm, it can easily lead to severe depression. Pressure to behave and feel a certain way from parental figures, peers, and authority figures can cause a great deal of emotional stress and feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and depression.
There are several signs and symptoms associated with teen depression. Usually, teens that are experiencing depression will exhibit a very noticeable shift in their behavior, actions, and thinking. Teens may become withdrawn and want to be alone for hours at a time. They may go through bouts of excessive sleeping, changes in eating, or lash out in delinquent criminal behaviors.
There are numerous common signs of depression that adolescents may exhibit. They usually exhibit several at any given moment, but generally not all of them at the same time. In rare cases, teens do not exhibit any of the following at all:
• Apathy
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Stomachaches
• Lower back pain
• Trouble making decisions
• Trouble concentrating
• Overwhelming sense of guilt
• Reckless behavior
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Memory lapses
• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Anxiety
• Preoccupation with death and dying
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Sudden decline in grades
• Severe changes in sleep pattern
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Promiscuous sexual behavior
It is important to remember that teens with a family history of depression are much more likely to suffer from depression themselves than if there were no family history.
The more information and knowledge you have about teen depression, the better able you will be able to handle it and help teens overcome it. The first step to helping with depression is to listen. Listen to what teenagers are saying, what they say about their thoughts and feelings. When they say or hint at something troubling them. Talking to a mentor or professional can give a teen an outlet to share personal feeling with an adult that they may not feel comfortable sharing with a parent or peer.
Overcoming Teenage Depression
A professional can also better diagnose any and all issues that the teen may be experiencing and provide helpful techniques and guidance. A professional can also provide medication if he or she feels that it is in the best interest of the teenager. The dangers of antidepressant medications is that it can cause increased suicidal thoughts and actions in teens. I am not a big proponent of medication, only as a last resort.
Parents just be aware of your teenagers behavior so you can spot depressive behaviors right from the beginning and take action.
