The youth of today are suffering from depression and need our help. Adults can play key roles in assisting these youngsters.
Who is at Risk?Adolescents who are under extreme amounts of stress are at risk for clinical depression. In today’s world, with both parents working and the societal pressures placed upon them, adolescents may feel that they do not have the support needed to withstand the strains. Not having the appropriate coping strategies, these children experience a loss in the ability to feel enjoyment in nearly all activities. Risk factors are prevalent within certain groups. Here are a few to look at.
The one Who Have Experienced LossAdolescents who have experienced a significant loss are more than likely to suffer from depression. This loss could be the death of a parent, sibling or a loved one very close to them. Symptoms may be masked and appear as if the child is moody, irritable or withdrawn. Very young children may not know how to express their feelings in words. There are also those who have been taught, either directly or indirectly, to hold their emotions inside. Either way, these youngsters are likely to experience depression.
Perhaps a child’s parent experienced depression previously. There may be relatives who have gone through bouts of depression. Depression tends to run in families and thus there is an interaction between genes and the likelihood of experiencing this health concern
Family ConflictA serious family event such as a divorce, marital abuse, death of a family member, etc. can cause other family members such as the children to suffer from depression.
There are other risk factors such as academic failure, substance abuse, other forms of abuse, etc. which can all cause a teenager to experience depression.
What are the Signs?In adolescents, the signs and symptoms vary:
- significant change in weight
- significant change in eating habits – perhaps eating too much or too little
- physical changes such as difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, oversleeping, lethargy
- a constant sad mood, appearing moody or irritable
- withdrawn or socially isolated
- substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
- decline in grades, increase in absences
- lack of interest in activities
- loss of concentration
- reckless behavior or increased risk taking behavior
What are some ways to help?If you are regularly in contact with adolescents, you should pay attention to the signs and symptoms. Parents should be told if you suspect that a teenager is depressed. Seeking professional assistance such as a counselor or psychologist should be encouraged. Draw on the expertise of mental health professionals at schools (i.e. counselors, school psychologists, school psychiatric social workers, etc.).
Source: Croft, Harry. Dealing with Childhood Depression. Healthy Place