Teen Depression

Teen depression is one of the most common health issues impacting teenagers today. Antisocial behaviour, substance abuse, anxiety and dysthymia can be some of the symptoms of this disease.

What is teen depression?

It is a mental health disorder that causes a loss of interest in activities. It affects how a teenager thinks, behave or feel. Teen depression can result in severe emotional and functional problems. Depression in teenagers differs from depression in adults. It is not a phase of mere emotional weakness that you can overcome with enough confidence and willpower. If untreated, it can have some long-term consequences on the mental make up of a teenager. Teenagers need to access psychological counselling and proper medications to address this condition.

What are the symptoms of teen depression?

The emotional and behavioural symptoms of teen depression vary with each individual. The common symptoms are:

• Trouble in concentrating
• A feeling of sadness
• Lower self-esteem
• Frequent suicidal thoughts
• Irritable mood
• Frustration
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feeling of worthlessness
• Extreme sensitivity
• Fixation on past failures
• Tiredness
• Social isolation
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs
• Poor academic performance
• Body aches
• Self-harm
• Change in appetite

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor right away. If you don’t, it can cause serious harm because teen depression symptoms need attention and care .

Book An Appointment.

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

Risk factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing or triggering teen depression. They may include:

• Having issues that impact negatively self-esteem like peer problems, obesity, academic problems or long-term bullying
• Having been the witness or victim of violence like physical or sexual abuse
• Having other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorderanorexia, bulimia, or a personality disorder
• Having a learning disability or ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• Having a chronic physical illness or ongoing pain
• Having some personality traits like self-critical or pessimistic, low self-esteem or being overly dependent
• Being gay, transgender, lesbian or bisexual in an unsupportive environment

Issues with family and family history or others may also increase risk of depression in your teenager, such as:

• Having a dysfunctional family and family conflict
• Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with bipolar disorder depression, or alcohol use problems
• Having experienced recent stressful life events like death of a loved oneor parental divorce

What are the complications?

Often, having a learning disability, ongoing chronic physical illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and being overly self-critical can increase the risk of teen depression. Some of the complications are:

1. Academic problems
2. Substance abuse
3. Suicide attempts
4. Family conflicts
5. Relationship conflicts

How can you prevent teen depression?

There are some steps that can help you manage depression symptoms in a better way.  Try to handle problems when they arise.  When you are in a real crisis, talk to your parents or ask for help from a friend. It is better to deal with a crisis when you have the support of other people.

If you have depression or if you notice even  mild symptoms, get treated right away.  Depression can often relapse even after medication and counseling.

What are the treatment options for teen depression?

Psychotherapy or psychological counselling is an  effective treatment solution for teen depression. You can also opt for interpersonal behavioral therapy or cognitive therapy. The doctor will find out the core reasons behind depression and set realistic goals to overcome the disease. Another option to treat teen depression is medication. So talk to your doctor who may suggest antidepressant medications( examples include escitalopram or fluoxetine)  . Do not self-medicate

If teen depression becomes exceptionally severe, hospitalization can be necessary.

Conclusion

Psychological counselling is perhaps the best way to tackle teen depression. You cannot depend on medicines for the rest of your life. So, talk about your problems openly with a professional. It will reduce the severity of teen depression and you will be a more empowered individual with a strong sense of self-esteem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: What are the alternative forms of treatment for teen depression?

Ans: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, guided imagery, music therapy, art therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy are some of the treatment solutions.

2: What are some of the major types of depression?

Ans:  Anxiety with depression  happens when you worry too much about future events. Melancholic depression occurs when you no longer feel interested in the things that used to give you pleasure.

3: How can you determine if your child has teen depression?

Ans: Issues like academic expectations, peer pressure, and changing bodies may bring many ups and downs for teens. However, for some, the lows are more than just the temporary feelings — they are symptoms of depression.

Talk to your child., listen without judgement and seek professional help when needed.