Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Onset factors that contribute to depression includes genes, changes in hormonal levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief, and difficult life circumstances making it one of the many causes of a major disability worldwide. Almost all of us can suffer from depression. Men and women, adults, teens, or even children. Usually, it is a bit of a normal experience for young people to have “low spirits” and the feeling of “drowning in the grief” once in a while. However, with the many changes that come along with adolescence whether physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially, comes the whirlwind of emotions and moods they need to understand and get a good grasp of. This way, they could always do a self-check and evaluation which will allow them to cope with the situation and avoid a serious problem in the long run.
Alarmingly, depression in adolescents is increasing these days. In recent studies, one in every five teens suffer from this debilitating mental illness. A problem that calls for immediate, appropriate, and effective medical care. Depression can be a perplexed case to be recognised in teens as adults or parents may see these young people to be quick in changing their moods from time to time. In addition, adolescents might not be able to express and understand certain feelings and emotions very well. The symptoms of depression may show but they might not be aware of it at all causing them not to seek help or medical assistance, in particular.
According to Mental Health America, these symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:
· Poor performance in school
· Withdrawal from friends and activities
· Sadness and hopelessness
· Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
· Anger and rage
· Overreaction to criticism
· Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
· Poor self-esteem or guilt
· Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
· Restlessness and agitation
· Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
· Substance abuse
· Problems with authority
· Suicidal thoughts or actions
Also, the possibility of using drugs or drinking alcohol or even becoming sexually active might be experimented by these young people as a way to avoid feelings of depression. In other forms, depression could also be expressed through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behaviour. Nevertheless, behaviours such as these might only lead to deeper problems and higher levels of depression which in turn could break relationships among friends, loved ones, authorities, and school admins.
Depression is a silent disease with a lot of stigma around it. Some people suffer from this illness and do not ask for professional advice. If you, or someone you know, are feeling the symptoms, it’s always a good thing to ask for help. Help get rid of the stigma of depression by starting with yourself and the people around you.
If you or anyone you know have any of these symptoms you can seek help from several places such as:
Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au
Kids helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline: www.lifelinehunter.org.au
MindSpot www.mindspot.org.au
And there are many more out there, but the first step is always the hardest, but you don’t have to do this on your own.
If you are feeling down and upset with life, Life coaching or Mentoring can also help before things get too serious.
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