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It�s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or
feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an
unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological
and social changes that accompany this stage of life.
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 overreact.
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. They are also forced to learn about
the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using
drugs.
Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the
emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens�
moods disrupt their ability to function on a 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
adolescents.
- Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are
central to teens� self-esteem and provide an important social
outlet.
- Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies.
Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than
negative feelings or behaviors.
- Join organizations that offer programs for young people.
Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop
additional interests.
- 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 too little of certain
brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase
the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can
contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death
or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative
thought patterns.
Recognizing Adolescent
Depression
Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent
surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from
clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for
prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms,
including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression),
which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria
and depression.
Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults
may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents 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
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feelings 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 patterns
- Substance abuse
- Problems 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 behaviors only lead to new problems, deeper levels of
depression and destroyed relationships with friends, family, law
enforcement or school officials.
Treating Adolescent
Depression
It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt,
professional 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 family
members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice.
Therapy can help teens 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 and effective ways to treat depression
in adolescents are:
- Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events
and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. Psychotherapy
also teaches them coping skills.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens change negative
patterns of thinking and behaving.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier
relationships at home and at school.
- Medication relieves some symptoms of depression and is often
prescribed along with therapy.
When depressed adolescents recognize the need for help, they
have taken a major step toward recovery. However, remember that few
adolescents seek help on their own. They may need encouragement
from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help
and follow treatment recommendations.
Facing The Danger Of Teen
Suicide
Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending
their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24,
kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly
tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in
adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age
youth.
Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be
based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event.
Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent
condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with
exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.
Recognizing The Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear
warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Suicide threats, direct and indirect
- Obsession with death
- Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
- Dramatic change in personality or appearance
- Irrational, bizarre behavior
- Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
- Changed eating or sleeping patterns
- Severe drop in school performance
- Giving away belongings
REMEMBER!!! These warning signs should be taken seriously.
Obtain help immediately. Caring and support can save a young
life.
Helping Suicidal 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.
- Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and
don�t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!
- Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice
from a mental health professional who has experience helping
depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen�s life -
family, friends and teachers.
Looking To The
Future
When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing
that their outlook can improve. But professional treatment can have
a dramatic impact on their lives. It can put them back on track and
bring them hope for the future.
For More Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or www.hopeline.com.
National Mental Health
Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
American Academy for Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
www.aacap.org
American Association of Suicidology
4201 Connecticut Avenue NW; Suite 310
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-237-2280
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