It is not uncommon to hear stories about a teenager experiencing mood swings and rebelling against those in authority. Nor is it uncommon to experience general sadness or anxiety in high school and college. However, it is often difficult to tell the difference between normal teenage angst and clinical depression. It is not commonly known that there has recently been a staggering rise of depression in adolescents. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in twelve adolescents in the United States suffer from depression, which is 8.3 % of the teenage population. In order to combat the problem of adolescent depression, it is essential that parents take an active role in their adolescent’s life by both acknowledging and
This topic came from the thought that depression is something that all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It focuses on adolescents because during this period we are young and vulnerable and may not know how to cope with situations or circumstances that may lead us into depression. Factors such as going through puberty and issues at home with parents can all cause depression. This paper will talk about what is depression, how families can affect depression in the child, and how depression can lead to long term effects.
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
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
According to Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, depression is a mental disorder characterized by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness. Some of the symptoms that are accompanied by depression include lack of appetite, excessive hunger, weight gain, weight loss, and lack of concentration. If depression is present in someone, they can also experience anxiety. Several medical diagnosis’s can characterize depression such as HIV, Aids, Diabetes, and Eating Disorders. Depression is a serious illness that is often not taken serious enough.
Paediatric depression (depression that usually affects youth ages five to eighteen, or in some cases, individuals up to age twenty-one) is on the rise, and is quickly becoming a significant issue in today’s society. Recent estimates have placed its prevalence at a combined percentage of between two and seven percent for those between the ages of six and eighteen years old. Identified by a range of symptoms including: “low mood, anhedonia [the inability to feel pleasure], defiance, pessimism, morbid thoughts and somatic symptoms,” (710) adolescent depression, very similar to adult depression, takes a toll on the lives of adolescent youth and often alters their personalities, actions and behaviors. It is clear that adolescent depression is a serious illness that should be combatted in a timely and appropriate manner, and Bermingham and Shearer’s suggestion of psychotherapy as an initial method of treatment for people
Depression can destroy the essence of a teen’s personality, which can cause an overwhelming sense of sadness, anger, and despair. Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Signs and symptoms of depression can include sadness and hopelessness; irritability, anger, hostility; frequent crying; withdrawal from friends and family; a loss of interest in activities; changes in eating and sleeping habits; restlessness and aggravation;
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
Changes in mood can often be mistaken as just being a kid. In fact, in America, over 3 million youths are suffering with depression (Hosansky142). Symptoms are considered more severe earlier in their lives, and are closely correlated to
Depression is a very serious and detailed disease that affects the brain and body in multiple ways. Most people think of it as a simple chemical imbalance, but in reality; it is very complicated and has multiple components. This disease has intrigued multiple people and has brought them to study numerous amounts of text and even create their own writings about this mental illness.
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
This article specifically covers depression in teens aged twelve to seventeen. It talks about what to pay attention to in teens and how teens that have a low outlook on their life, or that struggle with self-esteem are highly prone to developing depression. It covers the natural remedies for depression that is still in an early stage and includes statistics that help enforce the severity of depression in teens. It will help me to understand the effects and risks that depression has on teens
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 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
Adolescence is a stage of maturation between childhood and adulthood that denotes the period from the beginning of puberty to maturity. However, many conflicting opinions are raised about weather such a stage of childhood is influenced by stress, depression, and suicide rate. Some people support the optimistic view that says that adolescence is not a period of storm and stress. Others, including me, support an opposite pessimistic view which characterizes adolescence as a period of stress and inner turmoil. Unfortunately, it has been recently proved that depression is a growing problem in today 's society and a major contributing factor for a multitude of adolescent problems. This is because , as research indicates, adolescent depression