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Mental Health

Depression in Teens

4 de mayo de 2023

4 min de lectura

Depression in teens can be a serious mental health problem causing emotional and physiological issues. It is more than feeling sad for a few days. Depressed teens can suffer from intense sadness, anger, hopelessness, and frustration that lasts for a long time.

According to a Mental Health America report, more than 1 in 10 of our nation’s youth are experiencing depression to the point that it severely impacts their ability to function at school or work, at home, with family, or in their social life.

Teens with depression cannot concentrate on everyday things and often feel drained and unmotivated to perform their usual activities.

Causes of Depression in Teens

Depression in teens can be due to the following factors:

Genetics: Depression can run in families.
Hormones: Hormonal changes during adolescence can cause depression.
Brain chemistry: A brain chemistry imbalance can lead to depression.
Traumatic events in childhood: These can include abuse and bullying or the death of a loved one.

Which teens are likely to feel depressed?

The severity of depression may vary from one person to another. The following characteristics can increase the chance of depression in teens:

Having diseases like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes
Having other mental health conditions like anxiety, substance abuse, or eating disorders
Growing up in a dysfunctional family with a high degree of conflict
When depression runs in the family
Having traumatic events like abuse or bullying in childhood
Having a poor outlook, low self-esteem, or poor coping skills
Where the teen is a member of the LGBTQIA group, and the family is not supportive

Recognizing Teen Depression

Depression in teens can be challenging to identify, as teenagers are known to be moody. Teens with depression can show the following symptoms.

Emotional signs

Anger and rage
Loss of interest or conflict with friends and family
Low self-esteem with feelings of hopelessness and guilt
Lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and loss of interest in pleasure activities
Poor performance in school or work
Sadness with bouts of crying for no apparent reason
Suicidal thoughts

Behavioral signs

Substance abuse with alcohol or drugs
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
Less attention to personal appearance and hygiene
Self-harm like cutting or burning
Frequent complaints of unexplained aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts or attempts.

How is depression in teens diagnosed?

Depression in teens can be damaging in the long run if ignored or left untreated. If your teen has depression, open up the conversation in a loving and non-judgemental manner.

Teens having symptoms of depression can open up about their concerns to someone they trust, like:

Parents
Guardian or teacher
A doctor

If your teen shows signs of depression, consult a doctor for a physical checkup to rule out any underlying disease.

If there is no medical condition, your doctor might recommend a psychological evaluation by a mental health practitioner.

The depressed teen may be asked questions regarding the following;

Their thoughts and emotions
Performance in school
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Whether they are suicidal
Whether they use alcohol or drugs

Treatment

Depression in teens may be treated in the following ways.

Counseling or psychotherapy

Teens showing signs of depression may be referred to a mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or social worker. Talk therapy with a licensed mental health provider can help teens see things positively and have a more optimistic view of life.

Talk therapy can be of the following types:

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships by altering the behavior of a depressed teen.IPT helps teens deal with grief and significant life changes by navigating troubled relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps teens develop coping skills by altering their negative thoughts and behavior patterns.

Medications

Sometimes, the medical provider may recommend medications like anti-depressants with talk therapy. Where teens are prescribed anti-depressants, it must be noted that:

It can take some time to find the correct dose of an anti-depressant.
It may take 3 to 4 weeks for the medicine to take effect, and.
The doctor may prescribe multiple anti-depressants to decide on the one that works for the patient.

Teens taking anti-depressants may have increased suicidal thoughts, especially in the first few weeks of taking medicine. They must not stop taking anti-depressants without consulting the doctor.

Support for Teen Depression

For parents, any warning signs of teen depression should be taken very seriously. Listening, supporting, caring, and seeking professional help can save a young life. Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, it probably is.

If you’re a teen, know that depression is not your fault, and you are not alone. Talk to an adult you trust. If you’re alone and having suicidal thoughts, please call the hotline at 9-8-8.

Información general, no consejo médico

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