A report from the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that around 3.8 million adolescents ages twelve to seventeen have experienced at least one depressive episode. As cases of anxiety and depression increase, so do those of substance abuse and suicidal ideation.
Teen depression is a silent epidemic making its way across the country. Depression helplines are used to battle the depression epidemic sweeping across the nation. They aim to give individuals, adolescents, or otherwise, a space where they can unload some of their burdens and acquire the emotional support they need at the moment.
However, another way of combating this disorder is through knowledge. This article aims to answer some of the common questions that people have regarding teen depression.
What Causes Depression in Adolescents?
Many reasons indicate how a teenager might be depressed. For example, they can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades or sexual orientation. Poor results in school, low status with peers, or dysfunctional family life can also affect a teen's emotions.
Sometimes, environmental stress triggers depressive episodes. If a teen's sadness or sense of isolation does not go away when they spend time with friends and family or do the things they usually enjoy, they are likely experiencing depression.
What Are the Symptoms of Adolescent Depression?
Teens with depression may exhibit several of these symptoms below:
Recurring feelings of sadness and emptiness
Lethargy
Lack of motivation
Self-isolation, when they typically enjoy company
Fatigue
Apathy
Frequent complaints of back pains, stomachaches, and headaches
Difficulty concentrating when they are usually focused
Difficulty making any decision
Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
Forgetfulness
Irresponsible behavior, such as constantly skipping class or consistent tardiness
Loss of interest in their hobbies
Preoccupation with dying and death
Rebellious and belligerent behavior
Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness
Insomnia or excessive daytime sleeping (hypersomnia)
Sudden drop in grades
Substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and promiscuity
Feelings of helpless
Unexplained crying
Oversensitivity to rejection or failure
Can Teen Depression Be Linked to Genetics and Lineage?
There have been studies that link depression to genetic factors. However, the research is still in the early stages, and no conclusive result has been published yet.
But reports have shown that cases of teen depression can be observed more frequently in families with a history of depression. However, these findings do not discount the potential influence of a teen’s environment on their mental well-being.
How Is Adolescent Depression Diagnosed?
A test to specifically detect depression does not exist. Instead, health care professionals interview the teen and have them go through a series of psychological tests. Interviews and tests are also given to the teen’s family members, teachers, and peers.
These procedures help healthcare professionals determine the existence or severity of depression in the adolescent. Depression management approaches also depend on these test results.
How Is Teen Depression Managed?
Depression is managed with a variety of different approaches, including medications and psychotherapy. Family therapy may also be used if family conflict is identified as a contributing factor to the adolescent’s depression.
The adolescent will also need support from family or teachers when school or peers are found to be the root of the problem. In some cases, when severe depression makes it impossible for the patient to function in the outside world, hospitalization may be required.
Conclusion
Teen depression is a disorder that needs awareness and empathy. Learning about adolescent depression is one way of triumphing over this silent epidemic that threatens people’s mental well-being. The more you know about it, the better equipped you are to seek help for yourself or the people you love.
If you or anyone you love exhibits signs of depression, you can call a depression helpline, seek counseling, or attend therapy. But most importantly, remember that you are loved, and you are not alone.
Hope Seed Support Center is a respected counseling center in Houston. We offer compassionate therapy and counseling services to those in need. Whether you need a friend to talk to or require professional help, call us—we are here for you.
