Teen depression
Normal adolescents are moody and irritable – and who can blame them with all of the insecurities of youth not to mention puberty? Because of these ups and downs, it is difficult to determine if a teenager is depressed or just acting like a normal teenager. Depression is a medical condition that causes both psychological and physical symptoms. Further, depression can happen at any age, including the teen years.
About 1 in 5 teens has suffered from depression at some point (WebMD.com). It has been found, however, that many teens do not get the proper treatment for depression. Sometimes their symptoms are ignored or disregarded. WebMD indicates that when teen depression does not receive the proper treatment, the result of this neglect may be serious, and could result in various problems including:
- Poor performance at school
- Troubled relationships
- Increased rates of substance abuse
- Risky sexual behavior
- Increased rates of physical illness
- Increased rates of suicide attempts and completions
Teens may be depressed for various reasons – adolescence can be a difficult time of life. The most common symptom of teen depression has been found to be frequent sadness for no apparent reason. But, it is important to note that teens with depression may have signs of extreme irritability, anger, or anxiety as well or in place of sadness.
Another behavior often related with depressed teens is having physical complaints, such as stomachaches or headaches. Often, having physical complaints keeps depressed teens from attending school and other activities, further alienating them from their peers and often resulting in poor school performance.
WebMD.com also indicates that, “Teens with depression may have changes in sleep habits with unexplained crying. They may become extremely sensitive to rejection or failure. Other symptoms may include:
- Feeling helpless
- Anger
- Withdrawal from activities
- Avoidance of peers
- Apathy
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in eating habits
- Slow or rapid movement
- Weight gain or loss
- Substance abuse
- Difficulty with authority
- Suicidal thoughts or actions”
There is hope for those teens suffering from depression and for their loved ones who are seeking help. Teen depression is a treatable medical problem. Most treatments include some type of behavioral therapy as well as medication. Talking things out with a trusted counselor can help teens cope better with things in their lives. Often cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help teens change destructive patterns of thinking and begin to find confidence and more security in their lives. There are many anti-depressant medications that can help to regulate the chemicals in teen’s bodies that may be deficient due to teen depression as well.