Teenage depression is a serious concern. It is important to understand that teen depression may be caused by growing pains, but that doesn't mean that an individual is just going through a phase. Without proper treatment, teenage depression can lead to a variety of long-term side effects. That is why it is important to address teenage depression so that the individual can learn how to cope with depression and stress for a lifetime of happiness.
Symptoms of Teenage Depression
Teenage depression is similar to adult depression. However, there can be distinct differences in the signs and symptoms of a depressed teenager. For example, irritability, rather than sadness, is frequently the most common mood among depressed teenagers. Additionally, feelings of worthlessness are more pronounced in teenage depression, and may lead to an extreme sensitivity to depression. Other possible differences include unexplained headaches or stomach pain and withdrawing from some, but not all people.
Other symptoms that are more in line with adult depression include:
Feeling of sadness, guilt and hopelessness
Crying
Loss of interest in activities
Altered eating and sleeping habits
Frequent fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death and suicide
Effects of Teenage Depression
Teenage depression can cause a host of problems at home and school. Dipping grades, poor attendance and frustration with schoolwork may result. Additionally, addictive characteristics can lead to drug abuse, eating disorders and Internet addiction. Reckless behavior, violence and self-injury may also manifest. Because of the serious short-term and long-term effects of depression, it is important to seek treatment immediately.
Treating Teenage Depression
Treating teenage depression is similar to treating adult depression. However, teenagers rarely seek out or request treatment in their own. Because of this, it is usually up to a parent, teacher or other adult to identify the symptoms and encourage the teenager to undergo treatment.
Treatment typically begins by talking to the depressed teen and listening without lecturing. Then, a visit to a family doctor can help diagnose depression. Once identified, routine therapy and prescription medication are the most common avenue for treatment. Through personal reflection and a better understanding of the causes of depression, a depressed teenager often gains the boost in self-esteem needed to overcome depression.
Excessive stress is also a major factor in teenage depression. As such, stress and anxiety management techniques can be extremely beneficial in the fight against teenage depression. Specialized centers such as the Midwest Center for Stress and Depression (http://www.stresscenter.com/mwc/) offer effective programs that teach life-long methods for controlling and managing stress before it becomes overwhelming.
