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Depression And Adolescent Depression

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“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” (“Major Depression Among Adolescence”). One of the leading mental health issue amongst teen in America is depression. Depression (major depressive disorder) is defined in the American Psychiatric Association as causing an overwhelming feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activity. One must understand the causes of depression, how depression affects the adolescence, and how to treat adolescence depression in order to help those suffering from depression. To be successful in helping adolescence suffering from depression, one must understand the causes of depression. The first of three factors …show more content…

The unstable balancing of hormones in the body can trigger the onset of depression. When neurotransmitters (natural brain chemicals) are impaired while carrying signals to other parts of the body, nerve systems and receptors can change which will cause depression. Environmental factors in ones life is the third cause which can lead an adolescent to being susceptible to developing depression. Environmental factors that can cause depression are factors of everyday life that bring stress and discomfort to the adolescent. The home life of an adolescent will determine the quality of life he has. Divorce, financial instability, dysfunctional family, lack of sleep, abuse, death, bulling, and school are just a few of the numerous environmental factors that can negatively impact the adolescents life leading to depression. Not only is the cause of depression necessary in understanding those who suffer from depression, but understanding the affect it has on the adolescent is necessary to help those suffering. Depression affects the adolescent emotionally, physically, and functionally. In understanding these three factors, one can understand the mindset and mentality the depressed adolescent is feeling. Emotions are essential to determining the outcome of ones day. If ones emotions are unstable, it creates an internal battle of feeling at peace. Depression causes adolescents to impress negative feelings through their day. According to the National Institute of Mental

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