Depression: Mental Health Surge In Adolescents

Linda Lamb’s article stated that certain situations can cause depression such as,” stress or division in the family, major problems in school, a breakup with a girlfriend or boyfriend, and dealing with overlapping conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or substance abuse.” Along with these events, teenagers go through “body changes, changes in thoughts, and changes in feelings. Strong feelings of stress…in new ways influence a teenager’s problem solving and decision making abilities”

Depression is a leading cause of death among adolescents- So why aren’t we doing more about it? “Experts estimate that 5% of all adolescents will suffer from depression. Unfortunately, only 20% of depressed adolescents are appropriately diagnosed and treated” (DBSA). A depressive disorder is a disease that affects mood, thoughts and behavior. It is also the reaction of the human to the unfavorable surroundings or environment. DBSA otherwise known as Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance states, “When a bad day turns into a bad week, month or more, there may be a medical explanation for this change in behavior of feelings of hopelessness” (DBSA). Many parents may think that a young adolescent is moody or unhappy because it is a natural part of being young and growing up. However, “Persistent unhappiness or moodiness is not normal for anyone” (DBSA). If depression was better recognized, treatment was more readily available, and depressed adolescents adhered to treatment, adolescent life could be enjoyed by millions that would otherwise suffer.

Depression is a major predictor of a myriad of negative outcomes such as poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, decreased pro-social relationships, and higher risks of substance abuse (Healy, 2016). Additionally, these negative outcomes experienced by depressed teens may be even more apparent if the depression remains untreated. Findings mentioned earlier by Jones (2013) have also confirmed that this sensitive period in an individual’s life is particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms that could lead to dire outcomes. These negative outcomes found by Jones (2013) concur with many of the same outcomes Healy mentioned. Moreover, research by Jaycox, Stein, and Paddock (2009) further delves into the impact of teen depression on these negative outcomes. Their study broadens knowledge on negative outcomes in teen depression by examining them over a long period of time. The data is compared to teens that are not depressed, but experience the same negative consequences. Results from the research concluded that the negative outcomes such as school achievement and poor relationships were significantly more severe in depressed teens. After stating the major consequences depressed adolescents experienced, their study further found that treating adolescents may not only have clinical symptom benefits, but also greatly

Students faces challenges and pressure by peers to do wrong daily. Whether peer pressure, depression, or in the worst of cases suicidal thoughts and actions. Depression seems to affect children and teenagers nationwide. Unfortunately those with depression begin inflicting physical pain upon themselves to cope with the exterior pain. Along with physical pain, emotional issues arise in themselves. Overreaction to simple things and the feeling of being unloved by family leave lasting effects on those depressed. Eventually social problems cause them to leave themselves out of every event and gathering. Burdening problems often are not released due to feeling uncomfortable around people. These adolescents with depression face physical,

These days, teenagers complain entirely too much about the workload they receive. In fact, kids should be grateful for their thoroughly difficult education, harsh teachers, and strict rules. Teen depression and anxiety is only an excuse to get a get-out-of-jail-free card on missing homework assignments and bad test grades. Anxiety and panic attacks are only lies so the student never has to go to school, and should be treated by locking them in their room and forcing them to finish their immense amounts of make-up work. Homework and school is much more important than mental health anyway. Happiness should only be in school and good grades.

“Teens routinely say that their school-year stress levels are far higher than they think is healthy and their average reported stress exceeds that of adults, according to an annual survey published by the American Psychological Association” (Teens More Stressed Out Than Ever). It’s concerning to see that teens stress levels are as high as adults. They should be able to enjoy their youth and not be pressured as much to get perfect grades. Teens should not be pushed so hard because it can lead to mental illnesses, unnecessary stress, and altered parental relationships.

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

Depression has become a serious disorder among adolescents, affecting 11% of American teens (Avenevoli, Swendsen, He, Burstein, & Merikangas, 2015). Adolescent depression is associated with impairments in various important psychosocial areas, such as school, peer, and family functioning (Jaycox et al., 2009). As adolescence is an important time for development and a very vulnerable time, it is important to treat anything that may cause impairments as quickly and as effectively as possible. It is also important to understand the causes of the teen’s depression when working towards recovery.

Adolescent depression is also known as teenage depression. Teenage depression is a mental and emotional disorder with no different medically from adult depression. Nevertheless, depressive symptoms in teens may be noticeable in a teenager in different ways than in adults due to the different social and age-related challenges facing teens which includes peer pressure, sports, changing hormone levels, developing bodies. Adolescent depression is related with stress levels, concerns, and in the most horrible possible situations like suicide. Depression tend to affect

Although numbers can not tell us why teenagers are depressed, it can tell us how many there really are. As of 2011, 28.5% of teens were depressed and 15.8% considered suicide (King NP). However, the percentage dropped down from 2011 when the first recorded data was taken (NP). Some new data shown in late 2015, 1 in 5 teens have depression and 2 in 15 of depressive teens commit suicide (Friedman NP). Depression is not a matter that is to be taken lightly. Major harm can be caused. Society sees depression as a person who is upset for no reason, but there is a reason. Another report was taken based on survey data from a nationally representative sample of more than 17,000 people

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.

Today, adolescent depression is a very significant problem. In most cases, depression is the leading cause of why adolescents tend to make rash decisions and cause problems to themselves and also for others. Emerging adulthood coincides with adolescents as it is a time of feeling in-between. A child is growing to become a teen, a teen is becoming a young adult, and the young adult is becoming an mature, independent adult. Throughout this time, there are many paths to choose from, hardships to overcome, decisions to make, and experiences to learn from. This can be the most stressful time in a persons life. All of these things contribute to adolescent stress, anxiety, and depression, which very much so, turns to drug-use, juvenile

Depression is the commonest emotional problem experienced by adolescents28. It is no longer thought to be a transient phase of normal development. This notion of depression being a transient phase of adolescence stems from the theory that children and adolescents are cognitively too immature to be depressed29. Depression in adolescence may be characterized by the core symptoms of persistent and pervasive sadness; loss of interest and enjoyment, and reduced energy. The other common symptoms include reduced concentration, reduced self-esteem, ideas of guilt and worthlessness, poor sleep, and decreased appetite30.

Today’s teenagers are faced with the ever changing world around them and the biological changes of their bodies. Many teens are also faced with depression. Approximately half of teenagers with untreated depression may attempt suicide, which remains the third leading cause of death in this age group. (Bostic). This depression affects their school, family lives, and robs them of their self image. Depression affects many teens and often goes by unnoticed and untreated.

One of the causes of teen stress is school pressure. Teens worry about their education too much, such as grades and homework. They sense that they must attain the requirements of parents and teachers. Parents are always straining their children to learn more and work harder to achieve a task that is really difficult or intense for them. “According to the San Francisco Survey, sixteen percent of american teens fear the homework assignments.” They strive to get in honors classes and stress that they won’t get in. Teens are concerned about what their teachers will assume if they are struggling to understand something or make bad grades. Many teens who play sports may ambience pressure of being part of a team. They may fear how they will perform in front of their teammates and coaches. If they don’t play well, they worry about what their teammates will think and they don’t want to bring them down. Peer pressure is also an example of stress in teens. Teen’s peers like to pressure their friends into drinking or smoking. Lots of times, teens get really scared because they don’t want to get into things like that, but their friends are pushing them. They get to a point where they are so addicted into drinking or smoking, that they can’t stop. (Gregson, Susan R.)