depressed teen girl

Teen Depression: An Overview

Teen depression has become something of an epidemic in our society. Major depression (also called “clinical” or “severe” depression) is a mental disorder characterized by abnormally low moods that last for at least two weeks.

Depression is the most common mental disorder and, according to the American Psychological Association, approximately 20 percent of teens will go through at least one episode of teen depression by the time they graduate from high school.

Causes of Teen Depression

Teen depression cannot be pinpointed to one single cause. In most cases, a variety of risk factors accumulate and eventually cause depression. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Abuse or conflict at home
  • Being bullied at school
  • Chronic illness
  • Family history of depression
  • Gender (females are at a greater risk for teen depression)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Low self-esteem
  • Other issues such as anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, and/or learning disabilities
  • Stressful life events (i.e. a break-up, divorce, death of a loved one, etc.).

Teen Depression Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:

  • Agitation, irritability, and difficulty concentrating
  • Apathy and loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies
  • Change in personality
  • Changes in appetite accompanied by weight fluctuations
  • Constant fatigue and lack of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt and low self-esteem
  • Sadness
  • Suicidal thoughts.

Teen depression may include additional symptoms not observed in adults with depression. Some of these teen depression signs include:

  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Cutting or other forms of self-injury
  • Eating disorders
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Poor performance at school and work
  • Substance abuse
  • Violent and/or criminal behavior.

Teen Suicide

Teen depression is associated with a greater risk of teen suicide. According to the World Health Organization, teenagers are now the highest risk group for suicide in approximately 33 percent of countries around the world.

Despite these disturbing statistics, most suicides are avoidable. Teen suicide can be prevented with:

  • Early intervention and treatment
  • Reduced access to the means to commit suicide (such as medications and guns)
  • Smart media management of the topic of teen suicide.

Common warning signs of teen suicide include:

  • Expressing the wish to be dead
  • Getting affairs in order by giving away prized possessions
  • Talking about suicide
  • Worsening symptoms of teen depression.

Contact a health care professional immediately if you suspect that your child, friend or loved one may be contemplating suicide.

Your Teen and Depression

As a parent, observe your teen carefully to determine whether he or she is experiencing a temporary bout of sadness, or something much more serious, such as teen depression. If your child is depressed, she will enjoy a much speedier recovery with early detection and treatment along with the development of effective coping skills. Remember, your love and support will be an important part of treating depression in your teen.

Resources
American Psychological Association Staff. (2003). School-based program teaches skills that stave off depression. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the American Psychological Association website:  www.apa.org/research/action/school.aspx.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff. (n.d.) Understanding depression. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff website:   www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/ Depressive_Illness/depressive_ill_understanding.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Symptoms. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Teen depression: prevention begins with parental support. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-depression/MY00937.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Staff. (n.d.) What is depression? Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website:  www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Mental_ Illnesses_What_is_Depression.htm.

U.S. National Library of Medicine Staff. (n.d.) Adolescent depression. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the Medline Plus Encyclopedia website:  www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001518.htm.

World Health Organization Staff. (2009). Suicide one of three leading causes of death for young people, says WHO. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the World Health Organization website:   new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1761&Itemid=259.