Definition of depression
Everyone experiences mood swings, sadness, or anger from time to time; these feelings are common, particularly in teenagers. However, if they continue to feel this way for two weeks or more and it starts to interfere with their daily activities, they can be experiencing depression.
Depression is a mental health condition that manifests as predominant feelings of sadness, rage, or hopelessness. One in four teenagers will experience some type of depression at some point in their lives, and females are more likely than males to experience it.
The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Despite this, just 1 in 5 young people who are depressed receive treatment, typically relying on a close adult to recognize the symptoms and offer support.
Causes depression in teens
Numerous risk factors, such as the following, can affect young people:
There are many risk factors that can influence depression in young people, including:
- Biological – physical factors such as hormones, physical health issues and differences in brain chemistry
- Genetic – a family history of depression
- Personality traits and learned patterns of thinking – such as pessimism, self-doubt, low self-esteem, perfectionism and being extremely sensitive
- Traumatic or stressful events – such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, a death or divorce in the family, big changes in routine or lifestyle, and stress or bullying at home, school or online
- A history of other mental illnesses – such as substance abuse, or anxiety or personality disorders
How to recognize the symptoms of depression in teens
- Everyone experiences depression in a different way, but your teenager may indicate specific feelings more frequently, or even talk about how they feel. These signs include:
- Sense of insignificance
- Extreme sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t seem to get better changes in emotions and more noticeable expressions of them (such as anger, guilt, or irritability), and you might notice these changes at a particular time of day. For instance, your child might be unable to get out of bed in the morning because they have no motivation and are experiencing extreme exhaustion. They may also be having thoughts of suicide or death.
Changes in your teen’s usual behavior may take the following forms:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Incurring risks by abusing drink or drugs or having unprotected intercourse,
- Alterations in appetite
- Changes in sleep habits, such as trouble falling asleep, oversleeping, or remaining in bed for the most of the day
- A decreased interest in activities that was previously important to them
- Not performing as usual at school or extracurricular activities
How to help a teenager with depression
Early intervention for depression gives most people the best chance of recovery. It can also aid in lessening the effects of depression on a teen’s life, such as on their relationships with friends, academic performance, and interests.
Here are some home remedies to attempt in order to assist your adolescent in managing their depression.
- Be available to talk to them
- Challenge your teen’s negative thoughts by providing support
- Keep your family busy
- Play some games together as a family
