Going through adolescence can be very challenging. As we all know, it could be one of the most turbulent stages of our lives. Being the transition phase between childhood and adulthood, changes occur almost at the same time; dealing with all of them without getting caught in the confusion is rarely accomplished. Looking back, we recall the struggles through those periods of ambivalence, and although it is a relief to know we have gone past it already, seeing our teens go through the same ordeal can be quite daunting, especially when they are not coping very well.
Life for teenagers can be quite dramatic. Their raging hormones combined with the need to assert their independence and find their true selves can be quite a roller coaster ride of emotions marked by loops, whirls and a multitude of ups and downs. With all of these surprises turning up frequently during the adolescent stage, it is very easy to mistake depression for the usual moodiness expected of teens. Thus, most seriously depressed teens remain undiagnosed even though depression could now be addressed through varied types of antidepressant and therapy.
The many adverse effects of depression among teens have a far greater reach than an ordinary feeling of being in a bad mood. As in most cases, teen rebellion and displaying unhealthy behavior indicate depression. If left untreated, teens may resort to any of these methods to cope with their pain :
Life for teenagers can be quite dramatic. Their raging hormones combined with the need to assert their independence and find their true selves can be quite a roller coaster ride of emotions marked by loops, whirls and a multitude of ups and downs. With all of these surprises turning up frequently during the adolescent stage, it is very easy to mistake depression for the usual moodiness expected of teens. Thus, most seriously depressed teens remain undiagnosed even though depression could now be addressed through varied types of antidepressant and therapy.
The many adverse effects of depression among teens have a far greater reach than an ordinary feeling of being in a bad mood. As in most cases, teen rebellion and displaying unhealthy behavior indicate depression. If left untreated, teens may resort to any of these methods to cope with their pain :
- Because of their declining energy and inability to focus, school problems are likely to emerge. This would be evident through a marked fluctuation in their academic standing, frequency of absences, and probable awry relationship with their classmates and teachers in school.
- Normally, when teens make plans of running away from home or even contemplates doing so, it is an indication that they are seriously depressed.
- Depressed teens are more prone to becoming drug dependents in an attempt to remedy their situation. Little do they know that this only makes matters worse.
- A depressed teen would be displaying noticeable indications of rock bottom self-esteem: intense feeling of being unattractive, unworthy, useless, shameful, and guilty.
- Acquiring eating disorders in the likes of bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, and yo-yo dieting are signs of depression most of us fail to notice.
- The Internet has recently become an outlet for depressed teeanagers, providing an escape from the troubles bugging them. However, becoming addicted to it only aggravates the situation further.
- If teens would resort to violent actions like burning or intentionally hurting themselves physically (acts of self-mutilation), it is a definite cry for help. They are seriously depressed.
- Although teens are known to be reckless, exposing themselves constantly to risky behavior like excessive drinking, unsafe sex, and fearless, irresponsible driving are indications of depression.
- Violent outbursts/tendencies typify depressed teens, most especially boys who are constantly bullied. This could reach the point wherein the depressed individual may cause serious irreversible harm to others including himself / herself.
Depressed teens would more often than not harbor thoughts of suicide. They may mention this every once so often although not deliberately. However, there may be times when they would really attempt to do it in order to get attention.
By Marco Gonzaga