Depression in Teens
Depression in teens is a serious and all too real mental illness that may affect 1 out of every 5 teens in the United States. Being a teenager is hard enough. Dealing with depression makes the teenage years even more challenging.
At its mildest, depression in teens makes an already complex age even more difficult. At its worst, depression in teens can lead to suicide or even homicide.
Statistics show that approximately 20 percent of teens will suffer from some type of depression before they reach age 18. Sadly, many teens - and their parents too - don't recognize the symptoms as a depressive illness.
Acting out, moodiness and sadness are normal parts of being a teenager. Depressive illness, however, is much more severe than a depressed weekend after a bad breakup or mouthing off to a parent or teacher.
The most common signs of depression in teens include:
• apathy and loss of interest in formerly fun activities
• deep feelings of hopelessness that are unusual for someone so young
• drastic, long-term changes in eating or sleeping habits
• extreme fatigue or loss of energy
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• frequent crying, especially for no apparent reason and for long periods of time
• irrational anger, irritability or hostility
• lack of excitement or motivation
• long-term sadness
• problems focusing or concentrating
• suicidal thoughts
• unexplained anxiety and restlessness
• withdrawing from family and friends
The biggest differences between the regular symptoms of being a teenager and the symptoms of depression in teens are the depth, length and severity of the behavior. Other indications for depression include dramatic personality changes. And these are not changes that come with growing up and becoming more mature. They can turn the teen into a completely different person - and not in a totally positive way.
Depression in teens can lead to a host of other problems, both physical and social:
• alcohol and drug use and abuse
• behaving recklessly, including careless driving and having unsafe sex
• eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia
• low self-esteem
• running away from home
• self mutilation like burning and cutting
• trouble at school, including a drop in grades and poor attendance
• violence, including homicide
• suicide, both threats and attempts
Teen suicide can often stem from depression in teens. A depressed teen thinks and talks fairly frequently about suicide. Although some view this suicidal behavior as a way of getting attention, it is very likely a sign of a severe problem brewing under the surface.
Threats of suicide should never be ignored, especially when they are accompanied by other depressive behaviors. Suicidal behavior can be a cry for help from a teenager that is suffering terribly but does not know what to do about it.
Suicidal comments and other symptoms of depression should not be disregarded or swept under the rug. Depression in teens is 100 percent treatable, but the symptoms must be acknowledged before the road to recovery can begin.