Depression in Teens: An Epidemic

Symptoms of Depression

Some signs and symptoms of depression might be obvious to the onlooker, while others might be easily passable. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the signs in order to be aware and proactive about receiving help. Some of the symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

Low energy and overall fatigue

Anxiousness

Hopelessness

Change in appetite

Lack of eating
Stress/binge eating

Unmotivated and unproductive

Isolation from social situations, and society in general

Sleep issues

Lack of sleep/insomnia
Sleep all day/oversleeping

Loss of interest in previously loved activities

Dark side

Sudden change in appearance (clothes, hair, makeup)
Change in choice of music

Feelings of guilt

Feelings of shame

Inability to problem solve

Inability to make decisions

Thoughts or attempts of suicide

Teen Depression Statistics

Depression does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, religions, and nationalities. Depression is particularly prevalent among adolescents. When depression presents itself in youth and adolescence, it is particularly unsettling for onlookers because of their innocence and inexperience. According to suicide.org, depression in teens is continuously on the rise. Some of the facts and figures surrounding this rise are as follows:

20% of teens are affected by depression or feelings of depression by the time they reach adulthood

Suicide among adolescents is the third leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 15-24

10-15% of all teens suffer from symptoms of depression at any one point

Only 30% of teens suffering from depression are actually receiving treatment for the mental disorder

Every 100 minutes an adolescent commits suicide

Reasons for Depression in Teens

Our teenage years can be some of the most exciting yet challenging ones in our lives. The vulnerabilities and new experiences can be overwhelming. Trying to manage and balance our social lives, grades, and changing appearances are a constant battle. It is no wonder that there are many individual and combinations of reasons why depression in teens is so prevalent. Some of these reasons include:

Anxiety

Making and maintaining friendships
Nerves about public speaking in school

Bullying

One of the leading causes of depression and suicide in youth

First heartbreak

High school is typically when we experience our first love. This intense new and exciting experience can be exhilarating until it comes to an end. A breakup, especially our first breakup can be devastating. Teens are inexperienced with how to manage this new kind of pain.

Awkwardness

Physical changes
Social awkwardness

Pressures of high school

Popularity contests

School clubs, activities, sports, events, and parties can generate anxiety and competition
Introduction to drugs and alcohol
The teenage years are often the time when adolescents are exposed to and may be pressured to experiment with drugs and alcohol

Puberty

Physical changes to our bodies, faces, and voices can be both awkward and challenging to cope with
The reality and realization of growing up

Issues at home

No one knows what is going on behind closed doors. Situations at home involving parents and siblings may include: domestic abuse, substance abuse, or divorce

Grades

Obtaining and maintaining decent grades to work towards college and a future
Parental pressure can play a role in the stress of performing well enough in school

Genetics

If a parent or relative has a history of mental health, particularly depression, there is a greater chance that it may affect the child

Trying to find yourself

Figuring out who you are and where you fit in is extremely common not just in teens, but in people of all ages

How Teen Depression Affects Others

If you know a teenager suffering from depression, it goes without saying that you are most likely worried about them and their future. Family and friends of depressed adolescents may silently suffer alongside, with or without them knowing. The anxieties regarding what an inexperienced teen may be capable of are frightening. Every close person to a depressed teenager may experience different emotions and fears, such as:

For parents…

It can almost be unbearable to watch and observe your child suffer from the depths of depression
Often times mothers and fathers can fall into their own state of depression due to the anxiety and despair associated with the concern for their child’s state and future
For siblings…
- Brothers and sisters, depending on age and birth order, may have their own anxieties about watching their sibling deal with depression
- Younger siblings, in particular, tend to look up to their older siblings and sometimes strive to mimic or be like their older sibling (which is also frightening for parents)
- Since depression is dark and mysterious, it can be quite confusing for a young sibling to comprehend

For friends…

Because depression is so hard to understand, oftentimes friends get lost because they do not know what to do or how to help

Mother Worried About Unhappy Teenage Daughter

Get Help!

Depression is a mental disorder. It requires professional help and guidance in order to recover and heal from its depths. Whether the help requires talk therapy or medication, or a combination of both, it is critical to seek out a professional who is equipped with the tools to help guide a teen toward recovery. It is of course paramount that a person is willing to get the help they need, however, if you or someone you know is not willing to look for help on their own, reach out and make the phone call for them.

Resources: