Teenagers and Depression – More Than Just Mood Swings
The teen years can be tough on adolescents and their parents. Occasional mood swings, episodes of sadness and a fair amount of intense emotion are typical for most teens. In spite of all the angst, most find a way to balance school, friendships, outside activities and family while they develop a strong sense of self. For others, however, changes in behavior or mood may be an indication of a clinical depression. Depression is a serious illness, which can affect every aspect of teen life.
Teen depression, while similar to depression in adults, is more frequently expressed by an irritable or angry mood, unexplained aches and pains, extreme sensitivity to criticism and withdrawing from some people.
Kids today are under tremendous pressure to succeed academically, socially, in sports and in community life. Exposure to drugs and alcohol and the constant connections seen through social media often leave kids feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. Statistics tell us that about 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. Depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs have an even higher risk of suicide.
Talk to your teen if you are concerned about depression. Many parents are afraid to ask their child if they have ever thought of suicide because they fear they’ll put the idea of suicide into the child’s head. Your question won’t make them do it. Teens who think about suicide may be relieved to have someone talk to them about it or their worries.
Additional pointers to keep in mind when talking to your teen about depression include:
- listen without judging
- make yourself available
- validate their feelings
- be gentle but persistent
- avoid lecturing
Many teens are scared to talk about their feelings of depression. So don’t give up after the first try. Make an appointment with your child’s family physician and explain your concerns. It is important to rule out physical problems that can lead to depression. Your physician often can refer you and your child to a psychologist or other mental health professional who is trained in treating teen depression.
It is very important to remeber that although depression is a serious illness, it can be treated very successfully, and often through talk therapy without medications. If medications are needed, a psychologist can work closely with the medication provider to help your teen get back to enjoying life.
Photo by Lyssa Darkness (from flickr)
Filed under: Being in Therapy, Children, Lifestyle & Behaviors, Relationships
Hi, this is Shin from International School Bangkok in Thailand. I am so impressed with your essay so I am sharing your idea with my class mates since we are doing research on “teen depression” Thank you!
I am impressed with the strategy you have. People normally think that lecturing will help the teens, however it isn’t. They are very sensitive and emotional at the same time. I totally agree with these five strategies.
•listen without judging
•make yourself available
•validate their feelings
•be gentle but persistent
•avoid lecturing
So glad you found this information helpful. What are you studying?
Thanks for writing, I very much liked your most recent post. I think you should post more often,
you evidently have natural ability for blogging!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I am glad you find my blogs helpful. I generally post a blog on this website every few weeks. I also have a weekly blog on the radio station where I make a monthly appearance; http://www.wrch.com. If you look on the side of that home page, click on my name, Dr. Elaine Ducharme and it will take you directly to my weekly blog and podcasts of the shows. Are there particular topics you would like to see addressed?
I did not know the teen depression is very dangerous and serious before I research about this. And also I think teenagers’ suicide is increasing. In addition, the teenagers try to eradicate the depression by alcohol and smoke. Anyway, I am really impressed this writting.
Our children are so precious to us we must learn to notice when something is not right with them and act on it. Paying close attention is not easy when you have busy schedule or not enough time in the day. But do it, it could save a child’s life.
Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Great job!
Thanks for your comments, Jordan. Please keep reading and commenting on all our blogs. We really appreciate your feedback. Are there other topics about which you would like to see us blog a b out?
Hey there, im sorry for asking – may i use your article (not word by word, but just some common things) in my university work “Pyschological problems” ??? i would definetely name you as one of the sources for my work.
Nice article btw, ty for your research!
As long as you cite the source, feel free to use the information. At what university are you studying?