It is estimated that approximately four percent of adolescents get seriously depressive each year. Clinical depression is a serious illness that can affect anybody, including teenagers, altering thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall health. Most people with depression can be treated, but the majority of depressive people never get the help they need. When depression is not treated, it can get worse, last longer, and cause many problems. One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, and depression is commonly reported. As many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents may suffer from depression. That is why it is very important to recognize teen depression, and to be able to respond to it adequately.
How to recognize teen depression?
Since teen depression is one of the most serious behavioral problems among troubled teenagers, it is essential that parents recognize it. It is a parent%26rsquo;s duty to recognize when a pre-adolescent or adolescent child is depressive, because treatment is more effective with early intervention. The more serious consequences of untreated depression can include an increased risk of suicide, which is not so rare. That is why any indication that a child has been suffering from depression for six months or more should be treated the same way as signs of physical disease in a child. Parents need to seek help before more serious indications arise. Typical signs of depression involve an adolescent feeling low most of the time, and being irritable, especially when pressed to be more active.
If a parent notices weight loss or weight gain, insomnia or an excessive need for sleep, or low energy, the condition needs to be reported to a doctor. When a child says things that indicate low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness, and when suicidal thoughts, ideation, or threats occur, these could be signs of teen depression.
A noticeable drop in grades, in social activities, and in interaction with peers, a sudden change in friends, and a low frustration level are also depression signs. Lack of interest in a child%26rsquo;s usual activities, whether it is social, family, academic, or extracurricular activities, is also a symptom of depression. If your child exhbitis any od these signs indicating depression, and stays in this state of mind for more than six months, it is time to seek outside therapy.
What is teen depression?
Depression in teenagers is very common, and although everyone feels sad some of the time, we do not know what exactly constitutes depression. This is why we have to keep in mind it is okay to feel sad. Sometimes, however, people feel sad almost all of the time, which may signal that the person is suffering from clinical teen depression. The key is for the person to look at their life and determine if their feelings of sadness impact the quality of their life. Depression can be treated in a number of ways. Once depression is identified, the individual can take steps to make things better. Unfortunately, most people who struggle with depression never receive treatment for it. Of course, as with any other condition, when it is not treated, depression can get progressively worse.
It is important that teens understand their feelings are valid, and that they are not alone in the way they feel. Most importantly, with the proper help and attention, things will certainly get much better. If you feel that you are depressive, it is very important to seek help, because there are people out there willing and able to help you.
Depression in children and adolescents
Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken seriously. Children suffering from depression may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood, which can all be serious issues. Because normal behavior varies from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell if a child is just going through a temporary phase, or if he or she is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child%26rsquo;s behavior has changed. In such a case, should a visit to the child%26rsquo;s pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child undergoes psychiatric evaluation, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children.
If a depressive teen does not know who to ask for help, a telephone directory or information operator can be of assistance. They should have phone numbers for a local hotline or mental health services or referrals listed. A teen should be aware that depression can affect people of any age, race, ethnic or economic group, and he or she is not an isolated case.
How to deal with teen depression
First, your child has to know he or she is not alone, because there is help out there should they be willing and ready to ask for it. And if you know someone who you think is depressive, you can help them by listening. You could also try encouraging your friend to ask a parent or responsible adult about treatment options. If your friend does not ask for help soon, you should talk to an adult you trust and respect, especially if your friend mentions suicide. Most people who are depressive do not, in fact, commit suicide, but depression increases the risk of suicide attempts. Suicidal thoughts, remarks, or attempts must always be taken seriously.
Why do people get depressive?
Sometimes people suffer from depression caused by external influences, such as a divorce in the family, major financial problem, or death of a loved one. In addition, a messed up domestic situation, or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, could also be the reason.
Teenagers often react to the pain of depression by getting into trouble with alcohol, drugs, or sex, and by breaking relations with family or friends. This is another reason why it is important to get treatment for depression and deal with it promptly, before it leads to other trouble.
Myths and facts about depression
Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Some of the most common myths are listed below, followed by debunking facts.
Myth: It is normal for teenagers to be moody; they do not suffer from real depression.
Fact: Depression can affect people of any age and any race, ethnic, or economic group, so each mood change should be monitored.
Myth: Teens who claim to be depressive are weak and just need to pull themselves together; there is nothing anyone else can do to help.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder, and both young people and adults need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change their behavior, and cope with problems. The physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms; for many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial.
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse; it should be a less popular topic.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help, so by showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can encourage your friend to talk to his or her parents or another trusted adult, which can lead to treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask for help, you can talk to an adult on their behalf, because that is what a real friend will do.
Myth: Telling an adult that a friend might be depressive is a betrayal of trust, because if someone wants help, he or she will ask for it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person%26rsquo;s ability to get desire or look for help, and many parents may not understand the seriousness of depression. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a school guidance counselor, a favorite teacher, your own parents, or another trusted adult.
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