Teenage Depression

Growing up has never been easy And the constant ups and downs of the teenage years are particularly difficult.

But teenage depression is more than a day or two of the "blues." It is a continuing, overwhelming feeling of sadness and helplessness that interferes with a teenager's ability to carry on normally Instead of talking on the phone or getting together with friends, teens with depression may withdraw from activity refusing to go out of the house. Or they may try to numb those feelings with drugs or alcohol. Teenage depression is extremely painful and debilitating. and because it often is accompanied by thoughts of suicide, it can also be fatal.

Surprisingly common, teenage depression is one of the most prevalent emotional disturbances among high school students, and is more prevalent among girls than boys.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A TEENAGER HAS DEPRESSION?

The best way to determine if a teenager is depressed is to arrange for a diagnostic evaluation. Only a licensed physician or psychologist can diagnose a person with a psychiatric disorder. The following is a list of some of the symptoms a doctor will be looking for as part of an evaluation.

• changes in sleep patterns: too much sleep or difficulty sleeping
• changes in appetite: noticeable weight loss or gain
• Inability to concentrate
• Feelings of excessive guilt
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Changes in activity: slowed movement, monotonous speech or unexplained agitation, fidgeting, pacing, and wringing of hands a Loss of energy
• A sudden drop in school performance
• Outbursts of shouting or complaining, unexplained irritability
• Neglect of personal appearance
• crying
• Aggression: refusal to cooperate, antisocial beha\ior
• Use of alcohol or other drugs
• complaints of aching arms, legs or stomach when no cause can be found
• Perception of being ugly when not
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feeling that life isn't worth living: recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Risk-taking behaviors

What Causes Teenage Depression?

• Stress. Because the teen years are naturally a time of emotional and social turmoil, events that would be difficult for any individual can be devastating for a teen. Life events such as the loss of a family member through death or divorce, a move to a new area, problems in the home, a break-up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, problems at school, or ongoing rejection by other students can trigger teen depression.
• Biology. Many people who have depression have an imbalance of the biochemicals in the brain that affect behavior and mood. This imbalance can cause depression - even when no stressful situation exists. Because a person's biochemistry is partially determined by genetics, teens who have a close realtive with depression are more likely to have the problem themselves.

THERE IS HELP

The first step in seeking help for depression is a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Depending on the results of the evaluation, your physician or mental health professional may recommend:

• Professional Counseling. Psychotherapy helps teens with depression understand their feelings and problems, and how to deal with them Psychotherapy may be recommended in the form of individual counseling, family therapy, or group therapy.
• Medication. Sometimes used in combination with psychotherapy medication can correct the biochemical imbalances that cause depressive feelings and behaviors. Several different categories of antidepressant medications, which are not habit-forming, are available today. When carefully prescribed and monitored by a physician, these medications can relieve the severity, frequency and duration of depressive episodes in three to six weeks.

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE TEEN DEPRESSION ...

Your depression may seem to paralyze you, making any action difficult. It may be not be easy to take that first step, but remember: help is close by, just a phone call or conversation away.

• Try to talk about your feelings with a close friend, family member, teacher, or other person whom you trust and feel comfortable with. Try not to internalize your feelings of frustration or helplessness
• Talk to your doctor or guidance counselor, school nurse, minister, rabbi, or any mental health professional. Don't be held back by embarrassment.
• If you aren't comfortable talking to a professional, call a friend, a friend`s parent, or a close friend of your family.
• If you are contemplating suicide, contact an area hotline, crisis center, or a hospital emergency room. Reach out before you take action.

IF YOU THINK A TEEN IN YOUR FAMILY MAY HAVE DEPRESSION ...

• Take care of yourself, keeping up your strength and your health despite Your anxieties.
• Let your teen know that he or she has someone to talk to, and put aside time to communicate in a quiet setting.
• Listen to your teen -- don't lecture, criticize, or dismiss his or her comments.
• Help your teen become aware that there is a problem by discussing his or her behavioral symptoms of depression.
• Provide reassurance that depression and suicidal tendencies can be treated successfully
• Explain that needing and seeking help are positive, rational courses of action, not signs of weakness, and nothing to be ashamed of.
• Don't let your feelings of guilt or embarrassment interfere with seeking help.
• Ask your family doctor, local mental health facility or community social agency · for help in arranging for a diagnostic evaluation with an adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Support your teen by participating in family therapy if recommended.
• Trust your instincts -- if you suspect a problem, don't rely on your teen's reassurances or on the hope that the problem will go away by itself. You can help your child, but only if you keep trying.

SPECIAL CONCERN: TEEN SUICIDE

There is a strong link between depression and suicide for individuals at any age. But because of the emotional unrest that accompanies the teenage years, suicide is an even greater risk to teens with depression. In this country suicide is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. Any mention of it should be taken very seriously.

WHO IS AT RISK OF SUICIDE?

• A teen who has a parent, friend, or acquaintance who has committed suicide.
• A teen who abuses drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, teens with depression who have been drinking are more likely to attempt suicide.
• A teen who is self-critical, a perfectionist or overachiever.

WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN SUICIDE

Be concerned if you observe some of these behaviors:

• Giving away or throwing away favorite possessions
• Sudden cheerfulness, as though a solution is within sight
• Sudden, inexplicable efforts to "make peace"
• Recent accidents or close calls
• Unexpected and dramatic changes in mood or behavior
• References to suicide: "I wish I were dead" or "You'd be better off if I were dead': or "Nothing matters."

Any suspicions of suicidal thoughts or specific mentions of suicide should be taken seriously Try to talk with your teen immediately and directly, asking if he or she is considering suicide and discussing those behaviors that have made you concerned. If you are not reassured by your conversations, call your family physician, hospital emergency room or psychiatric hospital and explain the need for an immediate evaluation: If you suspect that a suicide attempt may be imminent, don't leave your child alone, and remove weapons and other dangerous objects from the house.

IT'S TRUE ...

The more you learn about teen depression, the more you will understand that it has specific causes and effective treatments. By reaching out for information and recognizing the signs and symptoms of teenage depression, you can help someone live a healthy and fulfilling life.