Adolescence Essay 10

Statistics show suicide to be the third leading cause of death among 13-19 year olds, with approximately 6000 suicide deaths each year (Dickinson 1999). Because of statistics like this, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) researchers are vying to find interventions to help prevent suicide among children and adolescents. However, until then, the best prevention appears to lie in early diagnosis

Adolescent stress is an important part of their lives and it is important for it to be monitored regularly in order for them to feel the benefit of learning important stress management skills. About 39% of the adolescents undergo depression at one point or another and they seem to handle their problems in a way that is constructive. This stress and depression ranges from mild to severe with the young people often relying on negative or passive behaviors in their attempts to deal effectively with their problems. Stress is usually characterized by frustration, sadness, worry, tension and withdrawal. There are many reasons that lead to stress in adolescents and younger people. Various studies have been conducted to determine the causes of stress among adolescents. The

(372) In adolescent’s fatal illness are so uncommon that suicide is the third leading cause of death. About half of teenage suicides have been tied to clinical depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. Teenagers who have tried to kill themselves seem to also struggle with anger and impulsiveness and have deficiencies with their ability to sort out and solve problems; they may also have alcohol or drug problems (Comer, 2013, pp. 303). With this in mind some of the factors that make adolescent predominantly at risk for suicide are: societal factors, weakening family ties, easy access and pressure to use drugs and alcohol, and not to mention the detailed descriptions of suicide that the media has shown(Comer, 2013, pp. 304). Adolescent is a time of growth and self discovery so, it’s no wonder teenagers who attempt or consider suicide are under a great deal of stress. Teenagers seem to react more sensitively, angrily, dramatically, or impulsively which may be why suicidal acts in times of stress seem to be increasing. I’m not saying all teenagers have tried to commit suicide, but the ones that have either accomplished the deed or attempt to. The ones that attempt to seem to have higher

Bipolar disorder is most commonly found in adults, but it usually starts during the childhood and adolescent years. Historical data with youth suggest that the overall prevalence of bipolar disorders in children is approximately 1% of the population, a rate similar to that in adulthood and lower than most other childhood mental illnesses (Apps J, Winkler J, & Jandrisevits MD, 2008). Strober et al said that 54 adolescents with bipolar I disorder over a period of 5 years and reported a high rate of recovery (96%) from the index episodes, and a moderate rate of relapse (44%) (Birmaher, 2013). In the Indian study 30 bipolar subjects with onset in childhood and adolescence were assessed systematically at baseline and 4-5 years later (Birmaher, 2013). Adolescents with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for completed suicides. Strober et al. reported medically significant suicide attempts in 20% of their adolescent sample (Birmaher, 2013).

It is important to note that not all children have all of these symptoms. Most children will display different symptoms at different times and in different settings. Although some children may continue to function reasonably well in structured environments, most kids with significant depression will suffer a noticeable change in social activities, loss of interest in school and poor academic performance, or a change in appearance. It is also common that children may also begin using drugs or alcohol, especially if they are over the age of twelve. Suicide is a very real concern in today’s young depressed population young, it is a fact that children do attempt suicide (Stone, 2014). Many children may do so impulsively when they are upset or angry. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but boys are more likely to actually kill themselves

Adolescents that commit suicide are immediately presumed to have one or more mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder and also assumed to have shown many signs that they were having thought suicidal thoughts, however in most cases

Although only 15 to 20 percent of teenagers are diagnosed with depression annually, the entire adolescent

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Teens will exhibit symptoms of irritability; whereas, adults will have symptoms of sadness. Adolescents will typically experience anxiety along with their depression; they will also show increases in sleeping and eating. Teen and adults with depression are also treated very differently (Lewis & Simons, 2009). According to Gledhill and Hodes (2011), it is important for adolescents to receive adequate treatment because 50-70% of teens with depression will experience a relapse in the next five years. Luckily, we have seen increased activity in research within this field in the last two decades; this has helped identify approaches of treatment that are most effective (Gledhill & Hodes, 2011). The first step in the assessment is choosing a treatment that is appropriate. A full appraisal will acquire data from the juvenile, parent or care giver, and school (Gledhill & Hodes, 2011). The evaluation needs to recognize the range and seriousness of depressive indications, including suicidal risk and thoughts about suicide. The seriousness of the depression can be arranged on the premise of the number of indications, four symptoms indicate mild depression, six symptoms for depression that is moderate, and depression that is severe would indicate eight or more symptoms. Any other problems or disorders will likewise be surveyed (Gledhill & Hodes, 2011). Most interviews will include the parent and adolescent

Adolescence is marked as a critical transitioning period where individuals undergo through various types of changes such as physical, emotional, and cognitive maturation. Furthermore, many researchers have accounted spirituality and religiosity as vital assets of development for youth as it provides morals, ideals, and a positive self-image. Spirituality is having an intimate experience of the sacred and divine, while religiosity correlates with organized religion. Religiosity embodies beliefs, practices, and rituals. In general, it is believed that adolescents who have been introduced to religion or some type of spirituality tend to have lower levels of anxiety and are less likely to develop maladaptive psychological adjustments.

Suicide prevalence is on the rise amongst adolescents and young adults. It is the third leading cause of death for individuals from age 15-24. It is believed that on average, one suicide occurs every 17 minutes and a young person dies by suicide every 2 hours and 12 minutes (Caruso, 2004, p. 11). It is hard for one to believe that life’s demands, problems and hassles could have such an impact on adolescents. Some adolescents are really hard on themselves to the point that they don’t know how to have fun. Adolescents should be enjoying their youth, doing the things that teenagers do, but in today’s society, even those things that should be fun and enjoyable are stressful. In my opinion, adolescents sometimes take on the pressures and expectations of others which can

It is usually the teenage years that introduce the idea of juggling and managing time. Given that there is only 24 hours in a day, we are only really introduced to the idea of cramming as many activities and task in a day when our age turns to double-digits. At a certain age, students are suddenly hit with the long list of things they want or should do all at once. This consists of school, family time, social life, extra circular activities, a job, homework, and much more. Perhaps most importantly on this lengthy list is sleep, something that is grossly misunderstood and undervalued. The long and short of it is that adolescents are not getting enough sleep due to early school times, the “to-do list”, and biological changes.

It is apparent that children are taking in music from numerous sources in their everyday lives. The psychology of an adolescence gives a unique look on how certain stimuli, such as music, can affect the way they think, and more importantly, act. The first place to look would be the brain, looking into what makes up these processes. The teenage brain is an ever-changing organ, that it constantly molding to stimuli that affect it on a daily basis. This stimulus includes music, which has similar effects, as would food, drugs, and sex (Kassem, 2014). In the vast majority of individuals, listening and even participating in music can affect both behavior and emotions.

Adolescence is the period of development from ages 10-21, it is the period between childhood and adulthood (McGraw Hill Education, 2015) It is a time of confusion and exploration. This stage continues until a person is holding a full time job, economic independence, and taking responsibility to oneself (Santrock, 2011, p. 344). As a 16 year old female I am in the midst of all these changes and can relate many themes to myself and my own experiences.

The DSM states “having five or more symptoms present during the same two week period and represent a change from precious functioning at least one of the symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure” (American Psychiatric Association:, 2013). Some other “behavioral patterns are running away from home, accident-proneness; aggressive acting out; temper tantrums; self-criticism; social withdrawal and loneliness; extreme sensitivity to criticism by others; low tolerance of frustration’ sleep problems; dark fantasies, daydreams or hallucinations; marked personality change; and overwhelming interest in death and suicide.” (Comer, 2014) This is why depression and suicidal behavior is harder to recognize and are not treated. “Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. In addition, 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” ("DEPRESSION IN TEENS"). Therefore, when a teen is suffering from depression and feeling suicidal it is important to help them seek help by just asking them if they are feeling suicidal and then help them take the appropriate steps to find and receive help. “About 5 percent of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depression at any given point in time” (Shaffer,