DEALING WITH A DEPRESSED TEENAGER.

 

 

Depression in Teens

Unrealistic academic, social or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often over react. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things “never go their way”. They feel “stressed out” and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends, and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer – both good and bad- on television, at school, in magazines and on the internet.

Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes to function on day-to-day basis; it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention- adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action. 

Dealing with adolescent pressures

When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression, All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescent.

• Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’self-esteem and provide important social outlets.

• Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behavior.

• Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help.

But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side effect from some medications and negative thought patterns. 

Reconising Adolescent Depression

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adult may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescent do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.

These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they  last for more than two weeks:

• Poor performance in school 
• Withdrawal from friends and activities 
• Sadness and hopelessness 
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation 
• Anger and rage 
• Over reaction to criticism 
• Feeling of being unable to satisfy ideals 
• Poor self-esteem or guilt 
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness 
• Restlessness and agitation 
• Changes in eating or sleeping pattern 
• Substance abuse 
• Problem with authority     
•  Suicidal thoughts or actions

Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviours only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationship with friends, family, law enforcement or school officials. 

Treating adolescent depression:

It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt treatment. Depression is serious and if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for the family members or others concerned adults to seeks advice.

Therapy can help tens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better.

Some of the most common effective ways to treat depression in adolescent are:

1. Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. It also teaches them coping skills. 
2. Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
3. Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier relationship at home and at school.

Medication relieve some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy. When depressed adolescent recognize the need to help, they have taken a major step toward recovery. Few adolescent seek help on their own. They may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help and follow treatment recommendations.

Helping Depressed Teens

Offer help and listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture

Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life.

Ask questions, and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!

Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also alert key adult in the teen’s life-family, friends and teachers.