What is Teenage Depression?
Throughout our lives, we will experience periods of depression. For example, the loss of a pet, a loved one, or even a job can bring on prolonged periods of sadness. However, depression that consumes your life can be dangerous and even deadly. Therefore, teenage depression treatment will mend these issues through support, training, and treatment.
Mental health treatment can help teens stay healthy. Millions of Americans are impacted by depression. One group especially susceptible to depressive disorders are young people between the ages of 18 and 25.
For teenagers, depression can leave them feeling unvalued and unloved during a critical stage of their lives. Infinite sadness and isolation from their peers can have damaging short and long-term effects on a young person’s grades, peer relationships, mental and physical health. Moreover, a teenager’s descent into depression regularly leads to catastrophic life choices.
Depression occurs following two weeks or more of a persistent low mood.
How Do I Identify Depression In My Teen?
It’s wrong to dismiss a teenager’s nihilistic worldview or rejection of parents and peers as a “phase,” as these types of behaviors – hopelessness, separation, loss of self-esteem – are serious signs that a young person may be suffering from depression. Hopelessness, separation, and a loss of self-esteem are serious signs that a young person may be suffering from depression. Periods of sleeplessness, fatigue, or a change in eating habits can also signify the onset of depression. For example, other symptoms of depression in teens may include:
- Lack of focus and trouble concentrating
- Persistent talk of death or suicide
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Drug or alcohol use
- Changes in appearance, neglecting hygiene
- A decline in school performance and a resistance to improve
What Causes Teen Depression?
Peer Pressure
Academic Pressure
Relationship Troubles
Parental Job Loss or Family Financial Struggle
Family Tragedy or Trauma
Clearly, there is no single cause for depression, and it can impact people across all social and economic backgrounds.
Exceptional, accessible care for teens and their families.
What are the Teen Depression Treatment Options?
Once a teen has received a diagnosis for depression, parents can decide the best way to treat the problem. Depression treatment options can include:
- There are FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs to treat depression in teens, but it is recommended that parents consult with a doctor before selecting this option.
- Getting help at a treatment center. An outpatient facility may be able to provide the teen treatment programs necessary to help a teenager live with and manage depression.
- Therapy coming in the form of individual therapy done one-on-one, group therapy, and even family therapy.
- Depending on the severity of depression, some teens may require psychiatric treatment in a hospital setting.
- Changes in lifestyle can help. Making improvements to your diet and discontinuing the use of drugs and alcohol can provide a tremendous boost in teens suffering from depression. Frequent exercise can also bring about positive changes.