Facts on Teenage Depression
Teenage depression is not just having a bad mood and occasional gloomy days. It is much more than that. It is a serious problem that affects all the aspects of a teenager’s life.
Teenage Depression Is No Misconception
Some people say that depression is just a part of the teenage years. They often say that you will get over what you are feeling in no time, and that you don’t need a specialist for that. Older people would often say “You just need a good movie to watch.” Or, you will hear things like, “You’re just having a bad day, it will soon be over.” These misconceptions are actually wrong. What you’re feeling goes way beyond feeling blue.
Occasional bad moods are often experienced by teenagers but when these become frequent, then this is something that you should be cautious about. Frequent mood swings are often a characteristic of adolescents. You can be happy and perky right now and the next moment, you’re suddenly down and despondent. There is nothing wrong with this. This may happen for several days or weeks. But when you don’t seem to be getting over the depressed state, then perhaps it would be better for you to have yourself be checked – the earlier, the better.
Who Are At Risk?
During childhood, males and females are at equal risk for depression. However, during the adolescent period, girls appear to be twice as likely to develop teenage depression. This may be attributed to the fact that ladies are more emotional than gentlemen, and also the influx of hormones during this growth period. One type of depression that only happens to women is post partum depression. This happens to a new mother one month after giving birth.
Having a disorganized family will often lead to an adolescent developing teenage depression. With all the family problems that are being encountered, these may be too much to bear. Having no one to turn to will also contribute to developing this disorder since there will be no outlet for stress.
Having a family history of depression will also make you a person who is likely to have teenage depression. Recent studies have shown that the risk for depression is a result from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environment, behavioral, and other factors.
Chronic illnesses make adolescents prone to teenage depression. When you are suffering from an illness that has been there for a very long time and it never seems to heal, you may become depressed. You see your friends going out, having fun, having the time of their lives. You on the other hand, are there having your rest, keeping away from them, for further stress would worsen your condition. This would cause you great sadness, for you will never be able to stand on your own and try to be independent. Examples of these disorders are cancers, bone disorders, heart problems, and other debilitating diseases.
Other risk factors for teenage depression include stress, cigarette smoking, the loss of a parent or a loved one, romantic relationship problems, abuse or neglect, trauma and learning disorders.
Everyone is at risk for developing teenage depression. It is how a teenager copes with the stressors and problems encountered that will make you vulnerable to teenage depression.
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