Risky Behavior Caused by Teen Depression

Teenagers who are depressed are more vulnerable to risky behavior than peers that do not suffer from mood symptoms. Depression in teens affects self-esteem, impulse control, ability to make sound judgments and impacts decisions. Clinical depression symptoms are more significant than the normal "moodiness" that is seen during adolescence.

Symptoms

Feeling chronically sad all the time, crying often, losing pleasure in enjoyable activities, isolating, withdrawing from family and friends, poor concentration and hopelessness are all symptoms for depression. Teenagers, specifically, may express depression through increased agitation, irritability and emotional outbursts.

Substance Abuse

Using alcohol and other drugs is a secondary effect of teen depression. Alcohol and other drugs are often used to self-medicate symptoms. The effects of the self-medication are short term and will actually worsen symptoms of depression. Peer pressure and the availability of new and more dangerous street drugs contribute to substance experimentation and abuse. Depressed teens are simply more vulnerable due to low self-esteem and impaired judgment.

Sexual Behavior

Engaging in premarital sex, unprotected sex or other types of sexual behavior outside of the norm is a risk associated with teen depression. Some adolescents use sex as a means of forming an identity or feeling attractive to others. These characteristics are particularly lacking in teens who are depressed. Sex may even be used as a coping skill to feel better for the short term.

Self-Harm Behavior

Cutting or burning oneself is a serious risk associated with teen depression. A movement within the past five years or so has seen an increase in self-harm behavior among teens. A teen will typically try to keep this behavior a secret, wearing long-sleeved clothing and hiding the objects used to harm herself. Swift intervention is necessary to prevent this harmful habit from becoming ingrained as a coping skill.

Suicide

Thinking about death, talking about suicide, making plans, suicidal gestures and attempts are all very serious warning signs and need intervention immediately to ensure a teen's safety. Suicidal behavior in adolescents should be taken seriously due to their limited capacity to engage in future planning and poor impulse during this stage of development. Immediate assessment by a mental health professional is warranted.

References

• Help Guide
• American Family Association Online