Teenage
Teen depression isn’t just bad moods and melancholy, it is a reality, a serious problem that has a big impact on a of a teen’s life. Children under stress, who experience loss, or have anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression as well as teenage girls and minority youth.
There are many causes of teen depression and the most common causes are:
- Unresolved grief (the death of a family member or close friend, loss of relationship or abandonment)
- Emotional neglect
- Stress (usually in cases where the teen has no support from parents or friends)
- Traumatic events (like sexual abuse or other major experiences)
- The abuse of drugs may cause changes in the brain’s chemistry causing depression
- Depression is also a genetic disorder
Clinical depression in teens is difficult to diagnose because the normal behavior is marked by ups and downs in the child’s mood, with periods of feeling both ecstatic and sad.
Symptoms of Teenage Depression - as well as showing many of the same symptoms of adult depression, some symptoms of teenage depression are:
- A downward trend in school work and performance
- Changes in personal appearance
- Destructive behavior
- Lack of sleep.
- Constant anxiety
- Unusual beliefs
- Appetite or weight has changed considerably (either lost or gained)
- Slows down, spends hours staring into empty space
- Lack of energy, feels tired all the time
- Feels guilty and worthless
- Feels that his or hers life is not worth living
Treatment - visiting your GP is the first step towards diagnosing and treating clinical depression. Today there are many options for treatment and most of them have very good results:
- Anti-depressant tablets (often Prozac)
- Counselling to treat the underlying issues
- Talk therapy that can help change the way a person thinks or reacts to different situations
- More exercise
- Holistic therapies for a natural boost (massage for example)
- A better diet
Despite the large amount of anti-depressants prescribed to adolescents, very little research has been done into their effectiveness. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) had issued a warning about the increased risk for youths taking antidepressants and slowed the sales down in the last years (since 2004) but despite the frightening concerns about this medication, the vast majority of mental health professionals continues to recommend their use.
Teen Suicide - Suicide is a serious problem with young adults in the
Imminent danger signs include:
- Wanting to die
- Suicidal thoughts and plans
- Writing a suicide note
- Previous attempts to end their lives
- Friends who have attempted suicide
- Giving away personal possessions
- Talking to a friend about death or suicide
Remember that early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed teens so seek professional help as soon as possible.