Depression in Teens

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.

Mental illness is a popular ill among all ages of people, it can happen in kids, adult or in senior. In fact, 20% of Canadians will personally experience in their lifetime (Canada Mental Health Association, n.d.). But all among of those mental illness we’re going to talk about depression. Depression is an extremely complex disease and it can be really bad especially for people who are expected to focus during class, be confident and social outside of school, and successfully plan their futures, depression it can be devastating for these people. Even mental experts have a belief that’s teens suffering from untreated depression are up to 12 times more likely to commit suicide (Marsico, 2012, p16). The main purpose of making this report is to

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

moods, stress vomiting, low energy, lack of hunger, and more. When depressed, your emotional, physical, and behavioral well being is jumbled around (“Diseases and Conditions: Teen Depression”). Let’s face it, high school is an emotional roller coaster by itself, but many of the warning signs of depression can go unseen (“Diseases and Conditions: Teen Depression”). When one is experiencing depression they might intentionally remove themselves from social interactions, stop eating, experience stress vomiting, experience lack of enthusiasm, have extreme mood shifts, or even have thoughts of suicide (“Depression” 2). A single adolescent affected by depression may have one or all of these symptoms for they vary from person to person (“Depression” 2). For example, in It’s Kind Of a Funny Story, Craig suffers many symptoms of depression such as stress vomiting, lack of appetite, extreme sadness, and low energy (Vizzini 15). Craig even contemplates jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge

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

One of the most common mental illnesses that is found in teens and greatly impact their development and families is Major Depression.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression (MD) is characterized by severe feelings of sadness for a prolonged period of time (n.d.). Although depression occurs in multiple episodes, it has the ability to interfere and prevent a person from functioning normally. A person who identifies with this disorder experiences persistent loneliness, feelings of guilt, uselessness, and having thoughts of committing suicide. The onset of depression, like among various mental disorders, first emerges during the adolescent age. Due to the stimulation of neural pathways and behavioural patterns, together with the change in lifestyle because of puberty, the adolescent stage depicts a time of inevitable vulnerability. They become more susceptible to mental health disorders, particularly major depression, as a result of little or no support from parents, peers, or health services. Within the United States, 20% of adolescents have been diagnosed with mental health disorders, twenty percent of which suffer from depression (Shwarz, 2009). Because of the prevalence of depression and other mental disorders on the onset of puberty, it is important to address these issues as early as possible. The strong linkage of depression with suicide also construes a negative effect on adolescents and families overtime. Compared to previous studies, the primary goal of this research paper is to identify sociological factors that help explain the prevalence of depression within the

Depression is a major problem in today's society. More than 18 million adults are affected by depression in U.S. Depression is caused by various reasons. First of all it Depression is a medical disease, caused by a neurochemical or hormonal imbalance. Second it is caused by certain style of thinking or past experiences that was not pleasant experience. Our the course of our lives we experience depression either by losing a loved one or financial situation or etc. And it is surprising to me that adults are not the only ones who experience depression it is also youths as well. According to teenhelp.com it states about 2.8 million teens experince depression. And it is usually due to family situations, financial or losing loved ones which is also

Depression is the most widespread mental illness in today’s society. Studies have found that, 1 out of 8 teens are affected with this disease. It also predominantly affects young ladies than it does males. (www.kidshealth.org). Teens are at a position in their lives when they must face significant transition and peer pressures. They are trying to identify with themselves and trying to figure out where there puzzle piece fits in society, all of which can show the way to behavioral and emotional changes. This is also a stage when families suffer from poor communication: teenagers often tend to keep their feelings and concerns to themselves away from their parents and other authority figures. Therefore, identifying depression in teenagers

The difference in treatment between adolescents and adults is quite large, leaving youths shorthanded in seeking out help for their disease. Depression, by nature, can be hard to diagnose. In many cases, teenagers do not

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.

As some of us may know, depression is reflected as a mental health condition that can lead individuals to attempt/commit suicide against their life. In addition, depression is a disorder that causes individual to feel despondent, and with no goals to achieve. With that said, sometimes these individuals give-up activities that were once entertaining, loses appetite, or begins to overeat, or loses focus on what they are trying to achieve, and becomes inconclusive. According to Kringlen et al., (2001) depression is classified as a second disorder to alcohol abuse and is the most prevalent disorder among the adolescent population. Thus, Joshi et al., (2009) identified mental health ailments to be linked with authoritarian parental styles, then authoritative and permissive parenting style. In accordance with Kringlen et al (2001), McCarthy et al., (2008) classifies adolescent depression to be associated with suicide, and recognize it as the third leading cause of death among adolescents ranging from age 15-24 years old.

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.

Perhaps no subject in the contemporary society is as controversial as teenage depression. As we know, people express themselves through their feelings and behaviors. Unfortunately, some people cannot either express their emotion or communicate with others, which leads to depression. It is a mounting problem in today’s society and is often a major factor causing most adolescents’ psychological problems. Teenage depression can change and even threaten their life. Therefore, we should have knowledge to solve and prevent this problem.

The signs and symptoms of youth depression include: Sadness, anxiety, lack of energy and motivation, easily irritated, withdrawal from family and friends, feelings of fear, feelings of extreme guilt or shame, inability to concentrate, poor memory, worsening grades, skipping school or classes, self-critical remarks, feelings that things will never get better, comments about death or dying, and threatening suicide even in joking manner. If a child is suffering from depression the parent/ guardian needs to watch their behavior. If the teen expresses emotions like they’re not happy when doing pleasurable things, emotionally drained, general sadness, hopelessness, hollowness, and uselessness. If they are complaining about physical changes similar to upset stomach, change in appetite or body weight, sleeplessness, headaches, and joint or back pain. If they are experiencing any behavioral issues such as easily irritated, uncooperative, disagreeable, avoiding