Depression And Adolescent Analysis

Depression is a common disorder throughout the world that affects all age groups. Although rare in young children, depression disrupts the lives of many teenagers. In the United States, 11.2% of 13 to 18 year olds are affected by depressive disorders annually (National Institute of Mental Health). Depression during youth is particularly destructive since it not only causes a loss of relationships and

Often dismissed as childish “moodiness,” depression is one of the most common psychological problems that afflict teenagers. For most teens, the effects of their depression can be felt throughout every area of their lives, from relationships

There are several different explanations that fall under the psychodynamic "umbrella" that explain why a person develops depression. Psychoanalysts historically believed that depression was caused by anger converted into self-hatred. Children who develop depressive symptoms typically are raised by neurotic parents who are inconsistent, lacking in warmth, inconsiderate, angry, or driven by their own selfish needs. These behaviors lead to the them feeling alone, confused, helpless and ultimately, angry. But, out of fear, love, and guilt, they repress anger toward the parents and turn it against themselves so it becomes an anger directed at him or herself. Caught between the belief that he or she is unacceptable, and the imperative to act perfectly to obtain parental love, they become prone to experiencing exaggerated anxiety and feelings of depression. They also feel that he or she is not good enough, no matter how hard he or she tries. Now, this sort of treatment and environment can evolve into more severe depression and anxiety disorder as an adolescent and adult. (Pshychodynamic Theories, 2007)

A depressive disorder is an illness involving the body, mood, and thoughts (Psychology Today). However, every person is different, and their way of describing depression will most likely not be the same as others. A teenage girl may describe it as a never ending hole she fell into, while a middle age man can describe it as feeling like he is drowning, but breathing just fine. Depression has come to be one of society’s most substantial issues, yet it never seems to get the right amount of attention. Teenagers tend to be what the average person thinks of when they hear the word depression. They think that since some adolescents are quieter, dress differently, or act a certain way that they are sad and emotional. Sometimes it can be the person

Major depression is one of the common disorders in adolescents. Depression in adolescents is common due to their inability to process emotions in a health manor (Martin, 2016). Depression in adolescents is defined as mood swings, alternating period of depression, and mania also known as Bipolar Disorder. Depression is a main problem in adolescence and childhood stages of life. It isn’t usual for an adolescent to feel down or occasionally depressed. Being an adolescent is usually the toughest time with many physically, emotional, and social changes. Depression maybe hard to diagnose in some individuals because most adults just expect teens to act moody. Many adolescents also do not always understand their feeling, and don't quite know how to

Depression is currently the number one mental disorder in the world, as well as one of the leading causes of years lived with disability (Hales & Lauzon, pp.58, 2012). It does not only alter the way you think but it also alters the way you feel, your social behavior and your physical wellness (Hales & Lauzon, 2012). According to Hales and Lauzon (pp. 58 – 59, 2012), the onset age for depression is during adolescence. In Canada, 8% adults will experience depression and 15% – 40% of college students who are at the age of 18 – 24 are likely to suffer depression (Hales & Lauzon, pp.58 – 59, 2012).

Everyday, teenagers have a routine. They usually get up, go to school, and come home. Each of these activities are filled with many complex issues, stress related problems, and pressure. These issues can lead to depression. Every 1 teenager out of 5 will develop a type of depression (Jones 1). “Adolescent depression is a disease that affects the psyche in a way that the person affected with it will act and react abnormally toward others and themselves” (Blackman 2). About 19 million Americans are diagnosed with some sort of depression. 9 million of them are adolescents (Jones 1). Suicide is affiliated with depression greatly. 15% of all adolescents who are diagnosed with depression commit suicide (Jones 1). “Since 1995, suicide is

Why are more and more teenagers being diagnosed with a form of depression each year? There are a handful of leading causes that may be the answer to this question. Three different outlooks on the causes include, the increase in depression among teens is due to biological and hormonal changes, school and academic pressures escalates the number of teenagers who suffer from depression, and social influence is a factor in the rising number of depressed adolescents. Hormones, pressures, and substance use, are often new factors that become present in

Most people do not realize how prevalent depression is in our society, especially among the youth. It is seen as taboo and more often than not, it is “swept under the rug.” Also, there are many different stereotypes revolving around depression and the people suffering from it. People believe that depression looks a certain way and some even believe that sufferers are only looking for attention. However, that is not the case. Depression is a very important problem that should be taken very seriously. The purpose of this research paper is to inform the public. Specifically, to answer the question of whether teenagers are affected by depression more than adults. If people are more aware of the issue, then people suffering from depression will feel more comfortable reaching out and getting the help that they need and deserve. It is important because depression is misunderstood. The people suffering from depression do not deserve to be judged for something that they can not control. How can someone judge something that they do not understand? If the community understood it better that could reduce the amount of judgment and negativity directed towards depression.

Depression is best described as a mental disorder in which you are in a low mood which is feeling sad and a loss of interest to do daily activities ( MacGill, N.D.). Not just sad as if you are having one bad day or a day where you feel like being lazy, instead it’s a constant every day battle to try and be happy and do your own daily routine. This can lead to physical and emotional problems and can affect how you behave, feel, and think. Sometimes you may notice they have trouble doing their day to day activates and some may feel as life isn’t worth living anymore. Depression affects more than more than fifteen million adults starting from the age of eighteen and older (Facts & Statistics, N.D.). Some people are against treatment and therapy

Experiencing depression is different for adolescent boys and girls. As Steinberg (2014) notes that throughout adolescence and well into adulthood girls suffer from depression twice as much as adolescent boys. Puberty seems to be the time at which the tables turn and the risk for girls increases. For adolescent boys depression during adolescence is a small range of ups and downs but for girls the rates increases so much that when they move into adulthood it is a very large drop (Steinberg, 2014).

Depression is a severe mood disorder and it is the most frequently diagnosed psychiatric disorder amongst adolescents. Depression is a state that adolescents can fall easily into. Teenagers spend more time with their friends than they do with their families which can result is possible rejection of peers. Individuals feel the need to have approval of self-worth by their peers. If they get disapproval, this can lead to brutal symptoms. (Platts, Kadosh, Lau 6). The symptoms can vary from self-worthlessness, anxiety, or a

Throughout the world, people are suffering from this disease. Depression affects people without regard to gender, age, or background. “Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression can cause changes in how you feel, think, and manage daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks” (NIMH » Depression, 1). “Major depression is a common mental disorder affecting adolescents in the United States” (NIMH » Major Depression Among Adolescents, 1). Depression is mostly experienced by teens, but is considered an adult illness.

Throughout history, we have heard the rhetoric expressed repeatedly that depression occurs in adulthood and that children and adolescents do not experience episodes of depression. The ailment of adulthood and depression is something that is not accurately especially given the current reality in face in society. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2015, an estimated 3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Not to solely focus on adolescents, the evidence about children are also alarming. According to the Association for Young People’s Health, over 8,000 children aged under 10 years suffer from severe depression. As practicing professional school counselors, it important we develop a deeper understanding of depression as its evident lifetime prevalence of depression increases in students with age. Furthermore, the lifetime prevalence of 12-13-year old’s, 14-15-year old’s, and 16-17-year old’s is 7.8%, 13.8%, and 15.5% respectively. In terms of race which also plays a factor, the lifetime prevalence of Hispanic, Caucasians, African American, and Asian is 13.6%, 13.4%, 9%, and 9.7% respectively. Additionally, a 12-month prevalence of major depression episode among U.S Adolescents showed female adolescents to be 19.5% while male adolescents was at 5.8% (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Depression a word we’re familiar with especially when it comes to adults, we know adults get depress and we understand the reasons, with the high demands in life it’s not uncommon to get lost in the shuffle. Depression in adult is something we have known for many years, but what has surprised many of us is that adolescents also get depressed. I myself still don’t fully understand the reasons why or how this happens. I see it very often adolescent coming in to the ER because they are depressed and want to hurt themselves, and each and every single time I’m shock. What could be so bad in their lives that would make them think they have no way out? This is the reason why I choice this topic, I want to learn more of how this disease affects so many children and teens and what we can do to stop it.