Adolescent Depression and its Importance
The incidence of teenage depression has been continuously increasing, with many cases being reported, year after year. Statistics show that almost 20% of adolescents suffer from teenage depression worldwide.
Why is teenage depression important?
Statistics on depression is a bit upsetting. Cases have been increasing over time. Studies say that one out of eight adolescents suffers from depression, and only 30 % of them receive treatment. The remaining 70% simply have to deal with what they feel in their own ways.
Adolescents tend to keep things to themselves. And when they open up, it is usually to their peer groups, and not their parents. When they have problems, they tell it to their friends, and seldom would they tell their parents about these.
Despite the fact that teens don’t often tell their parents about their problems, they are still dependent on them. Teens still rely on their parents, teachers, care givers, and other significant others. Part of the reasons that they don’t tell so much about their problems is that they are ashamed, and that they think that you would not be able to help them. As the parents or significant other then of the teen, then it is your responsibility to reach out to you teen. Constantly remind your teen that you are there all the time, ready to talk and to render help. Teens need to feel loved and secured and you should provide that.
Teenage depression is difficult to diagnose. Teens show the opposite of what they feel. Instead of feeling sad, they feel irritable, aggressive, and most of the time, enraged. This is contrary to what is experienced by adults who are depressed. For adults, they are mostly sad, apathetic, always sleepy, and it seems like all the systems in the body is beginning to shut down.
When Teenage Depression Goes Untreated
There are two factors that form a person during adolescence – what you do to him and what he does to himself. If proper guidance is not given, he may carry this throughout adulthood which may bring him a future that is not at all good.
A lot of problems can happen when depression is not treated. While still in the adolescent stage, the teen may experience trouble with keeping up with school works, difficulty forming friendships and low-self esteem. Eating disorders may also be developed when depression goes on to be unrecognized.
Reckless behavior such as reckless driving, out-of-control alcohol consumption and violence may result from untreated depression.
When depression was not addressed properly during the teenage years, it may recur during adulthood. This time, difficulty of keeping a job may be encountered.
Romantic relationships will also be a problem. Substance abuse provides a temporary escape for people who are depressed. The worst problem that can happen is suicide. This happens to individuals who are seriously depressed. Any sign that a person will commit suicide should be taken seriously. These people often talk about suicide and would frequently ask questions about this topic. Do not just let it pass but assess for any plans on committing such.
Teenage depression is highly treatable. That is, if gets diagnosed early and if quick treatment was given. If it’s not, then serious problems may arise.
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