It's not unusual for young people to
experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally.
Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical,
emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage
of life.
Unrealistic academic, social, or family
expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to
deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens
often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that
things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To
make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from
parents, friends and society. Today's teens see more of what life has
to offer, both good and bad, on television, at school, in magazines
and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of
AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.
Teens need adult guidance more than
ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are
experiencing. When teens' moods disrupt their ability to function on a
day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental
disorder that needs attention, adolescent depression. Parents or
caregivers must take action.
Dealing With Adolescent Pressures
When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these
feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help
develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to
adolescents.
- Try to make new friends.
Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens' self-esteem
and provide an important social outlet.
- Participate in sports, job,
school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on
positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
- Join organizations that offer
programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs
of adolescents help develop additional interests.
- Ask a trusted adult for help.
When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be
afraid to ask for help.
But sometimes, despite everyone's best
efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to
depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or
too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of
depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other
factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events
(such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and
negative thought patterns.
Recognizing Adolescent Depression
Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent
surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from
clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt,
appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including
bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a
condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.
Depression can be difficult to diagnose
in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also,
adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very
well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not
seek help.
These symptoms may indicate depression,
particularly when they last for more than two weeks:
- Poor performance in school
- Withdrawal from friends and
activities
- Sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or
motivation
- Anger and rage
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feelings of being unable to satisfy
ideals
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Indecision, lack of concentration or
forgetfulness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Changes in eating or sleeping
patterns
- Substance abuse
- Problems with authority
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Teens may experiment with drugs or
alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of
depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile,
aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new
problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with
friends, family, law enforcement or school officials.
Treating Adolescent Depression
It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt,
professional treatment. Depression is serious and, if left untreated,
can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed
teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or
other concerned adults to seek professional advice.
Therapy can help teens understand why
they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations.
Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group
or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a
psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better.
Some of the most common and effective
ways to treat depression in adolescents are:
- Psychotherapy provides teens
an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or
troubling to them. Psychotherapy also teaches them coping skills.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
helps teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses
on how to develop healthier relationships at home and at school.
- Medication relieves some
symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy.
When depressed adolescents recognize
the need for help, they have taken a major step toward recovery.
However, remember that few adolescents seek help on their own. They
may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned
adults to seek help and follow treatment recommendations.
Facing The Danger Of Teen Suicide
Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their
lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill
themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled
since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents
and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth.
Studies show that suicide attempts
among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by
a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation
as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined
with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.
Recognizing The Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear
warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Suicide threats, direct and indirect
- Obsession with death
- Poems, essays and drawings that
refer to death
- Dramatic change in personality or
appearance
- Irrational, bizarre behavior
- Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame
or rejection
- Changed eating or sleeping patterns
- Severe drop in school performance
- Giving away belongings
REMEMBER!!! These warning signs
should be taken seriously. Obtain help immediately. Caring and support
can save a young life.
Helping Suicidal Teens
- Offer help and listen.
Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen,
don't lecture.
- Trust your instincts. If it
seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a
confidence if necessary, in order to save a life.
- Pay attention to talk about
suicide. Ask direct questions and don't be afraid of frank
discussions. Silence is deadly!
- Seek professional help. It is
essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional
who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults
in the teen's life Ñ family, friends and teachers.
Looking To The Future
When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing
that their outlook can improve. But professional treatment can have a
dramatic impact on their lives. It can put them back on track and
bring them hope for the future.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
