Teen Depression: Causes And Solutions

         Teen Depression is the primary cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10-19 years - World Health Organisation.

"Whenever I'm depressed, I feel less worthy, unlovable and suicidal. I don't feel happy about anything or anyone, not even the things I love to do". 

         This is a usual saying by patients of teen depression. According to statistics, girls between the range of ages 12-20 are twice as depressed as boys in same age bracket. So today, we shall hence be looking at the causes and possible solutions of teen depression.

      

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TEEN DEPRESSION

        The exact cause of depression is unclear and may involve a combination of factors. Depression results from a complex of many factors including social, psychological and biological factors - W.H.O.

       Depression often run in families. This means genetics can play a role, as an individual whose blood relative suffer from depression stands a higher risk. Biologically, neurotransmitters helps carry signals in the brain. A malfunctioning or impairment of these neurotransmitters could therefore lead to depression. 

        In addition, cardiovascular disease and changing hormone levels as well as substance abuse may intensify depression. Note that some street drugs can affect a person’s mood.

• You may also read: Psychoactive drugs

      Another cause of depression is stress. While a little stress can be healthy, excessive stress can nevertheless be physically and psychologically harmful. Being overly stressed can plunge a biologically vulnerable and susceptible teen into depression.

      Stress-related factors linked to teen depression may include death of a loved one, divorce or separation of one’s parents​. Teen depression can also be brought by physical and sexual abuse, a serious accident, illness and learning disability. When a teen feels unloved or rejected by the very people he or she expects enough love from, it can cause psychological problems thereby leading to depression.

      A very common scenario is that of a student whose parents set unrealistic, high expectations in his/her academic achievement and the child continually fails to reach the target. Bullying, uncertainty about the future, emotional estrangement by a depressed parent are other contributors to teen depression. Parental unpredictability, loneliness, consistent failure can however lead to a depressed mood.

SYMPTOMS OF TEEN DEPRESSION

 The symptoms of depression can appear during adolescence. This may include 

1) A change in the patient’s pattern of sleep. 

2) Loss of appetite and change in body weight. 

3) Feelings of despair, hopelessness.

4) Sadness and worthlessness may appear. 

5) Social withdrawal. 

6) Trouble concentrating or remembering. 

7) Suicidal thoughts or actions and, 

8) Medically unexplained symptoms may follow.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION OF TEEN DEPRESSION

      Depression ranges from moderate to severe, however, it is usually managed with medication and counselling by a mental health professional. (At www.barypresh.com.ng, we do not endorse any specific treatment or therapy). 

      Changes in our lifestyle is advisable. Owing to the fact that our mind and body are closely connected, hence, so much effort should be put into caring for our mind and body.

      We can take care of our body and mind in many ways. If you suffer from depression, you should take reasonable measures to care for your physical and mental health. There are several ways of doing this. I have thinned it down to six broad ways for the sake of convenience. They include;

1.  Eating wholesome meals

   Food can play a very vital role in solving depression. The nutrients our whole body need to function efficiently is gotten from the good we take in. The brain is one greedy organ, it needs all the energy it can get to create neurotransmitters - chemical messengers - that help send signals through the nervous system. Eating right can help boost mental health.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • You may also read: How nutrition (food) can help solve depression.
2.  Get sufficient sleepDepression can sometime be successfully treated when you treat the insomnia that comes with it.
   Read full details of study on how getting sufficient sleep can help cure  depression.

3.  Exercise regularly 

   Exercise releases chemicals that can help lift your mood. It also increases your energy and improves your sleep. Most noteworthy is that it helps you stay healthy. Sad enough, it is the most underutilised anti-depressant.
   
   
   
   
   

4.  Recognise warning signs

   If possible, try to recognize triggers and early warning signs of a depressive mood. Try to create a plan of action to put it in check. You can achieve this by confiding in someone you trust. A network of close family members and supportive friends may help you to cope with depression.

5.  Record your thoughts and feelings

   

   Record your thoughts and feelings in a diary. Know the types of thoughts that leads you into a depressed mood. Avoid thinking about these things as much as you can.
   
   
6.  Create an emotional "First-Aid kit"
   
   What is an emotional first aid kit? It is a kit that can be adjusted to fit your current mood. It is a collection of things that help brighten your mood. However, a typical "first aid"kit for your emotions may contain things like;   

a) Contact information of people to call when you feel down.

b) A diary containing your positive thoughts as well as positive experience you have enjoyed.

c) Photographs and mementos to remind you of people who love you.

d) Favourite songs that are positive and up-building.

e) Inspirational sayings and encouraging articles.

f) Most of all, a list of comforting and up-building sayings from the Bible.

   

DEPRESSION AND TEENAGE GIRLS 

   

   Depression in teenage girls appear to be higher than that of boys. This is as a result of factors like stress from emotional, physical or sexual harassment which girls often have to cope with. From studies however, most girls are unduly influenced by media portrayal of the "ideal" body. A girl who sees herself as physically undesirable or overly concerned about being approved of by her peers may be more vulnerable to depression.

• Read more about Gender differences in depression from childhood through adulthood 

What parents of depressed teens can do

1. Regularly reassure your teenage children of your love for them. Depression can make one feel alone, worthless or ashamed.
2. Maintain a good communication with your teen. Help him/her deal with the stigma associated with depression.
3. Have a stable routine for eating, exercising and sleeping.
4. Be alert to major changes in your child's behaviour, eating habits, mood, sleep patterns and social interaction. You should be more vigilant if the changes persist for weeks.
5. Take serious any hint or comment regarding suicide. This probably might be an option when all signs are not recognised.
6. If you suspect depression, consider getting a professional diagnosis.
7. Help your teen adhere to doctor's prescribed treatment and consult the doctor if you see no improvement or observe unpleasant side effect.

            In conclusion, Teen Depression is a serious mental health issue that affects every teenager especially females. It's causes are complex with a wide range of symptoms which at extreme cases include suicide. It can however be treated medically, nutritionally, by a change in lifestyle and psychotherapy. A combination of one or two methods seem to be more effective. Parents play a very vital role in early detection of depression in teen. This goes a long way in helping the patient receive better treatment.

         You know anyone who is suffering from depression today? Show him love and care. Now it is up to you. What is your view on this article? Leave a comment and share with friends.

       

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