Adolescent Depression, is very common in today’s teenagers, and this needs to be addressed and shared with more teenage parents. Well, we all are aware of depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, and their causes, but when we talk about Adolescent Depression which is also termed as teenage depression and it’s way dangerous.
What is the Adolescent Depression?
Medically it is not different from adult depression but, symptoms in teens are differed due to the different social and developmental challenges.
As we know it is directly associated with anxiety, stress and even to suicide. Reason for adolescent depression could be any of the following:
- Abuse
- Physical changes
- School issues
- Loss of loved ones
- Cyberbullying
- Social issue
- Other personal problem
Depression is not a simple issue which can be solved by saying “Cheer up” or “Let it go”, this need proper guidance and medication.
Symptoms
There are some signs and symptoms to be watched for teenage symptoms:
- Lack of energy and no interest in work.
- Don’t want to socialize.
- Extreme sensitive about rejection and failure.
- Having a sad and irritable mood without any reason.
- Feeling of guilt.
- Feeling of worthlessness.
- Not enjoying the favorite activity and fun games.
- Trouble in focusing.
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
- Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
- Angry outbursts
- Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt
These are few signs you need to keep a watch.
How to help your teenager in Adolescent Depression?
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to first keep an eye on your child and if found these symptoms please make sure to support them without judging by simple things.
- Communication is one of the important things you need to have with your young kid. Talk to them about what’s bothering them, let them share their feelings.
- Include healthy food and proper rest and exercise.
- Stay positive with them and let them have positive connections in school and with friends.
- If they share their fear, the problem listens to them without scolding and judging them.
- Talk about bullying, which used to be a major issue in the depression of teens.
- Breakdown the problem and provide step by solutions to that.
- Try to lock up dangerous stuff at home like a knife, ropes, and all just to make sure they don’t pick up thoughts of suicide.
- Encourage them for physical activity more than screen time.
- Be available for your child.
- Consult your doctor to start the right medication on time.
These are few steps as a parent you should take and let them not suffer more in life with adolescent depression.
I write this post with Blogchatter for the #CauseAChatter series.
ยฉ Ruchie Verma. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this siteโs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
DisclaimerโThis article is an advisory piece.
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Good that you touched this area Ruchi. Adolescent Depression should not go neglected. We often tend to ignore it thinking that teenage is the phase when kids want to be with them. But we should have a close watch on their behavior and other actions.
Oh I used to get anger outbursts quite often as a teen. I’ve calmed down a lot after that. Perhaps if I didn’t I would have been fighting for divorce right now ?
Teens and pre-teens are going through lots of pressure and stress. You have rightfully chosen a very sensitive topic and shared great pointers of how to handle them. Parents of teens should surely follow them
Great post. And you had shared really great pointers to deal with teen age depression. Personally I believe making positive communication with your kids is very important. This step helps not only knowing their mental and emotional state but also work great in making a strong bond with them as well.
You have tapped a woonderful topic…. adolescent depression is growing and how…. kids are getting depressed easily due to studies and social life and it’s very imp to speak to them, be open with them n be there for them to make them feel comfortable and wanted.
This is so scary… Kids these days are facing so much pressure from different things that parents and the family have to be even more careful and watchful. This is a helpful article.
This is such an important topic Ruchi and I am Glad you wrote about this . All the remedies you have mentioned are so apt and useful.
Adolescents depression is very difficult phase for parents and kids to deal with. This post provide helpful guidance.
Adolescent Depression should not be neglected and we should have a close watch on their behavior and other action . Nice article
Really great that you brought this. Adolescent Depression should not go neglected. People should now the symptoms and awareness on it
Adolescent Depression is mostly named as teenage mood swings and many times we fail to understand them. I liked that in your post you not only mentioned the problems but solutions too. this will be helpful to many people.
This topic definitely needs attention Ruchi. We tend to take adolescent kids for granted as they have grown up but what they actually are going through, knowing that is equally needed.
Depression has become a serious issue in teenagers with all the social media and societal pressure. Detecting and handling at right time is crucial.