Teen depression is one of the fastest growing problems on the planet. Teen depression affects a teen regardless of gender, social background, income level, race, school or other achievements, though teenage girls report suffering from depression more often than teenage boys. Teen depression is can be hard to diagnose and early discovery is vital to successful treatment.
Teen depression is pretty common and it can affect anyone. Teen depression symptoms can at times seem almost like normal teen behavior. However, Teen depression if left untreated can lead to suicide.
How Does Depression Affect Teens?
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Teens with depression seem to catch physical illnesses more often than other teens. Teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over school performance, social interaction, sexual orientation, or family life.
Teens struggling with depression may experience an inability to think clearly, notice and remember details, and make good decisions. Teens may feel that life is not worth living or worth the effort to even maintain their appearance or hygiene. Teens may become apathetic and drop out of clubs, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed.
Are There Treatments For Teen Depression?
Treatment is good, but prevention is better. Treatment should include trying to understand the reason or reasons. Treatment for teenage depression does not differ greatly from adult depression, and is generally made up of a combination of psycho (or talk) therapy and antidepressant medications. Even more frightening is that only about 30% of these children who are suffering emotional/mental turmoil are receiving any treatment for it.
Depression in teens can be tricky, particularly when it comes to treatment options such as medication. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including one-on-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication. No one therapist is a miracle worker and no one treatment works for everyone.
What Role do Friends Play?
Friends or others need to step in if someone seems severely depressed and isn't getting help. Teenage girls' somewhat stronger dependence on social ties, however, can increase the chances of teen depression being triggered by social factors, such as loss of friends. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self.
Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class. Depressed teens typically rely on their friends more than their parents or other adults in their lives, so you may find yourself in the position of being the first - or only - person that they talk to about their feelings.
What Next?
Finally, If they are exhibiting signs of teen depression find out how to help them online. Do not let your child's teen depression go untreated. If left untreated your child's teen depression could be catastrophic. If your teenager seems withdrawn and they have not been themselves, they may need help for their teen depression. Don't wait, get help or advice from a few different sources and take the approach that works best and seems to make the most sense for you or the teen in your life.
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