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.
Ø Try to make new friends healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’
self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.
Ø Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies staying busy helps
teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
Ø Join organizations that offer programs for young people special programs
geared to the needs of adolescent’s help develop additional interests.
Ø 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:
Ø Poor performance in school
Ø Withdrawal from friends and activities
Ø Sadness and hopelessness
Ø Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
Ø Anger and rage
Ø Overreaction to criticism
Ø Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
Ø Poor self-esteem or guilt
Ø Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
Ø Restlessness and agitation
Ø Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Ø Substance abuse
Ø Problems with authority
Ø 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:
Ø Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings
that are painful or troubling to them. Psychotherapy also teaches them coping
skills.
Ø Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens change negative patterns of thinking
and behaving.
Ø Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier relationships at
home and at school.
Ø 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:
Ø Suicide threats, direct and indirect
Ø Obsession with death
Ø Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
Ø Giving away belongings
Ø Dramatic change in personality or appearance
Ø Irrational, bizarre behavior
Ø Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
Ø Changed eating or sleeping patterns
Ø Severe drop in school performance
REMEMBER!!! These warning signs should be taken seriously. Obtain help
immediately. Caring and support can save a young life.
Helping Suicidal Teens:
Ø Offer help and listen encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings.
Listen, don’t lecture.
Ø 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.
Ø Pay attention to talk about suicide ask direct questions and don’t be afraid
of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!
Ø 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 — family, friends and teachers.