Depression
Depression is not a personal weakness, a character flaw, or the result of poor parenting. It is a mental illness that affects the entire person. Changing the way he or she feels, thinks, and acts. A depressive disorder, sometimes referred to as clinical depression, is generally defined as a persistent sad or irritable mood as well as “anhedonia,” a loss of the ability to experience pleasure in nearly all activities. It is more than just feeling down or having a bad day, and it is different from normal, healthy feelings of grief that usually follow a significant loss, such as a divorce, a break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or the death of a loved one.
- Depression is a treatable medical illness, not just a bad mood or an inevitable part of life’s ups and downs.
- Depression affects 8–10% of adolescents and is the most common cause of disability in the United States.
- Depression in teens differs from depression in young children or adults. Teens are more affected by their social environment, more irritable than sad, and more chronically depressed.
- Depression affects people of all ages and backgrounds. However, post- pubescent girls are twice as likely to suffer from serious depression than boys, and certain populations, such as gay and bisexual youths and American Indians, suffer higher rates of depression.
- Untreated depression is the leading risk for suicide among adolescents.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents ages 15–24 and the fourth leading cause of death among children ages 10–14. Nearly 2,000 young people die of suicide every year; nearly 400,000 at- tempt suicide; nearly 2 million make a suicide plan.
- Girls are twice as likely to attempt suicide but boys are 10 times more likely to succeed because they tend to choose more lethal methods of attempting suicide (e.g. guns).
- Depression can be linked to poor academic performance, poor social re- lationships, school absenteeism, dropping out, disruptive behavior, and school violence.
- Depressive episodes can resolve themselves but, if ignored, are likely to reoccur within a year.
- Talking to friends or family is an important source of support but on its own is not enough to treat depression.
- Nearly 70% of children and youth with serious mental health problems do not get treatment.
Signs of Depression
Adolescent depression is a complicated situation. Most teens feel "down" at different times. Adolescence is the period of physical, emotional, psychological and social changes. Teens can feel overwhelmed, confused and moody. It is therefore rather difficult to recognize true depression vs. typical adolescent behaviors. Here are some possible markers of depression. Remember that these symptoms must be new or present with a change in intensity, frequency or manifestation. They must continue for two or more weeks and inter ere with the student's social and academic functioning:
If you feel you or your teenager is experiencing depression, it is important to receive prompt treatment. Depression has been linked to poor school performance, school truancy, substance abuse, running away, feelings of helplessness, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity and suicide.
- Agitation, defiance, or sullennes
- Lack of pleasure in daily activities
- Withdrawal or crying
- Unexplained physical complaints
- Lethargy or chronic boredom
- Poor concentration or inability to make decisions thoughts of hurting oneself or others
- Depressed mood, or irritability
- A change in friendships
- A change in school performance
- A change in eating or sleeping habits
- Extremes of emotions, including anger and rage
- Overreactions to criticism
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation for previously enjoyed activities
- A sense of sadness and/or satisfaction in life
- Statements about wishing to die or giving away personal things
If you feel you or your teenager is experiencing depression, it is important to receive prompt treatment. Depression has been linked to poor school performance, school truancy, substance abuse, running away, feelings of helplessness, eating disorders, sexual promiscuity and suicide.
What To Do?
Adolescents who are depressed may not ask for help because they believe no one cares or that nothing can be done. They may not want to be labeled as having a problem, particularly if they already believe they are to blame for being unpopular, unworthy, or a failure. It is never wrong to ask a someone who seems troubled if she or he is OK, but a depressed adolescent may dismiss overtures of concern as misplaced or intrusive.
A positive connection between an at-risk adolescent and a trusted adult or friend is important. However, teachers are not trained mental health professionals and should not take on responsibility for treating a student. Don't minimize what he or she is going through. It may not seem serious to you, but it does to him or her. Keep the appointments with a mental health professional and encourage attendance. Encourage help and praise your child for wanting to talk to someone about their depression. Keep the lines of communication open by expressing love, concern and support.
Taken from: NASP online
A positive connection between an at-risk adolescent and a trusted adult or friend is important. However, teachers are not trained mental health professionals and should not take on responsibility for treating a student. Don't minimize what he or she is going through. It may not seem serious to you, but it does to him or her. Keep the appointments with a mental health professional and encourage attendance. Encourage help and praise your child for wanting to talk to someone about their depression. Keep the lines of communication open by expressing love, concern and support.
Taken from: NASP online