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Teenage depression
Though the term "depression" can describe a normal
human emotion, it also can refer to a mental health illness.
Depressive illness in children and teens is defined when the
feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child
or adolescent's ability to function.
Teenage Depression is common in teens and younger children.
About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general
population suffer from depression at any given point in time.
Children under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional,
learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk
for depression. Teenage girls are at especially high risk,
as are minority youth.
Depressed youth often have problems at home. In many cases,
the parents are depressed, as depression tends to run in families.
Over the past 50 years, teenage depression has become more
common and is now recognized at increasingly younger ages.
As the rate of depression rises, so does the teen suicide
rate.
It is important to remember that the behavior of depressed
children and teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed
adults. The characteristics vary, with most children and teens
having additional psychiatric disorders, such as behavior
disorders or substance abuse problems.
Mental health professionals advise parents to be aware of
signs of depression in their children.
If one or more of these signs of depression persist, parents
should seek help:
Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
Teens may show their pervasive sadness by wearing black clothes,
writing poetry with morbid themes, or having a preoccupation
with music that has nihilistic themes. They may cry for no
apparent reason.
Hopelessness
Teens may feel that life is not worth living or worth the
effort to even maintain their appearance or hygiene. They
may believe that a negative situation will never change and
be pessimistic about their future.
Decreased interest in activities; or inability to enjoy previously
favorite activities
Teens may become apathetic and drop out of clubs, sports,
and other activities they once enjoyed. Not much seems fun
anymore to the depressed teen.
Persistent boredom; low energy
Lack of motivation and lowered energy level is reflected by
missed classes or not going to school. A drop in grade averages
can be equated with loss of concentration and slowed thinking.
Social isolation, poor communication
There is a lack of connection with friends and family. Teens
may avoid family gatherings and events. Teens who used to
spend a lot of time with friends may now spend most of their
time alone and without interests. Teens may not share their
feelings with others, believing that they are alone in the
world and no one is listening to them or even cares about
them.
Low self esteem and guilt
Teens may assume blame for negative events or circumstances.
They may feel like a failure and have negative views about
their competence and self-worth. They feel as if they are
not "good enough."
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Believing that they are unworthy, depressed teens become even
more depressed with every supposed rejection or perceived
lack of success.
Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
Depressed teens are often irritable, taking out most of their
anger on their family. They may attack others by being critical,
sarcastic, or abusive. They may feel they must reject their
family before their family rejects them.
Difficulty with relationships
Teens may suddenly have no interest in maintaining friendships.
They'll stop calling and visiting their friends.
Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches
and stomachaches
Teens may complain about lightheadedness or dizziness, being
nauseous, and back pain. Other common complaints include headaches,
stomachaches, vomiting, and menstrual problems.
Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
Children and teens who cause trouble at home or at school
may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the child
may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize
that the behavior problem is a sign of depression)
Poor concentration
Teens may have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, following
a conversation, or even watching television.
A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
Sleep disturbance may show up as all-night television watching,
difficulty in getting up for school, or sleeping during the
day. Loss of appetite may become anorexia or bulimia. Eating
too much may result in weight gain and obesity.
Talk of or efforts to run away from home
Running away is usually a cry for help. This may be the first
time the parents realize that their child has a problem and
needs help.
Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior
Teens who are depressed may say they want to be dead or may
talk about suicide. Depressed children and teens are at increased
risk for committing suicide. If a child or teen says, "I
want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide,"
always take the statement seriously and seek evaluation from
a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health
professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about
death. However, asking whether he or she is depressed or thinking
about suicide can be helpful. Rather than "putting thoughts
in the child's head," such a question will provide assurance
that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance
to talk about problems.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Depressed teens may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way
to feel better.
Self-Injury
Teens who have difficulty talking about their feelings may
show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain and
low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting.
Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for teenage
depression
Depression is a real illness that requires professional help,
self-help, and support from family and friends.
Comprehensive treatment often includes both individual and
family therapy. Although there are real and frightening concerns
about antidepressant medication, most mental health professionals
continue to recommend their use.
There are several ways to get referrals of qualified mental
health professionals, including the following:
• First, check with your insurance company for any limitations.
• Talk to family members and friends for their recommendations.
If you participate in a parent support group, such as Because
I Love You and ToughLove, ask other members for their recommendations.
• Ask your child's primary care physician or your family
doctor for a referral. Tell the doctor what is important to
you in choosing a therapist so he or she can make appropriate
recommendations.
• Inquire at your church, synagogue, or place of worship.
• Call the professional organizations listed on this
page for referrals.
• Network the resources listed on your state's Family
Help page.
• Look in the phone book for the listing of a local
mental health association or community mental health center
and call these sources for referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one therapist to interview.
Call each one and request to ask the therapist some questions,
either by phone or in person. You may want to inquire about
his or her licensing, level of training, their expertise,
approach to therapy and medication, and participation in insurance
plans and fees. Such a discussion should help you sort through
your options and choose someone with whom you believe you
and your teen might interact well.
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