What Causes Teens to Get Depressed?
According to the National Mental Health and Education Center, teen depression affects one in eight adolescents in the United States each year. It is important to recognize the causes and symptoms of teen depression, understand the effects it can have on family and friends, and to know when to seek help.
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Types
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Teen depression can be caused by environmental influences associated with friends, family, the demands of school and extracurricular activities. Events in life, hormonal or genetic disorders, or medical conditions can also be a contributing factor. There are four major types of teen depression: dysthymia, major depression, hypomania and bipolar.
Identification
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Symptoms of depression may include withdrawal, anger, isolation, loss of interest in friends or family and/or favorite pastimes, crying, thoughts and/or talk of suicide, fatigue, elated episodes of happiness, complaints of physical ailments, risky behavior, or significant weight gain or loss. A teen suffering from chronic depression lasting more than two weeks should be seen by a physician.
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Effects
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Friends or family may not know exactly how to help. The teen may feel that no one understands. Emotional outbursts may also disrupt the peace in the home. Family members or friends may also consider seeking professional advice and/or support.
Prevention/Solution
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Keep the communication open and suggest talking to a medical professional for help. Find ways to alleviate stress by keeping a balanced view on school and extracurricular activities. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise routine and adequate sleep schedule. Counseling and/or medication may also be used in treatment, and once treatment has begun, don't stop the treatment plan abruptly.
Misconceptions
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Depression is not a display of weakness. Clinical depression is a medical condition that can involve chemical or hormonal imbalances, or it may be a symptom related to a medical condition.
Warning
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Never leave a suicidal or depressed teen alone. Always seek immediate medical help if comments of worthlessness are made or if there is talk of suicide.
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