Many think that adolescent depression is just a matter of them being in a bad mood. Depression is far more serious than that. If unnoticed or untreated, depression could lead to drug/alcohol abuse, problems in the home and school, as well at suicide. Teachers are taught to look for typical behavior of adolescents that might be suffering from depression; however parents and friends should also become aware of symptoms as well.
Adolescents encounter challenges each day as they try hard to succeed in school, church, as well as any other outside activity that may be involved in. Success in these activities gives them a strong sense of self and belonging. Quite often, the adolescent may experience changes in their mood and lash out at authority figures. The problem is that some people only believe that the child is acting out although the underlying reason is that they are experiencing depression.
As with any type of depression, adolescents will suffer from complete sadness, anger, mood swings feelings of worthlessness, etc. lasting for periods of two weeks or longer. Unfortunately adolescents are left at the mercy of an adult or other authority figure to get them the help they need when the warning signs begin to appear.
Symptoms and signs of depression in adolescents include but are not limited to:
· Sadness
· Irritability
· Constant crying
· Withdrawal
· Loss of interest
· Weight gain or weight loss
· Restlessness
· Inability to concentrate
· Feeling worthless
· Lack of energy
· Inability to become motivated
· Suicidal thought or even death
Some of the symptoms listed are also key symptoms and signs looked for in determining adult depression. In reality, depression in adolescents differ from adults in that they experience symptoms that normal teens would experience who are not suffering from depression. Adults are not prone to suffer from irritability as does teens. A depressed adolescent may become hostile or easily frustrated, thus, lash out angrily. Adolescents who suffer from depression may also suffer from stomach ailments or headaches that cannot be explained.
Depression in adolescents also has a problem with rejection and failure. The do not cope with criticism as it leads to the feeling of worthlessness. This usually leads them to withdrawing and isolating themselves from friends, family and teachers as well.
If left untreated, adolescent can lead to a multitude of problems. The most common problems apply to schools. Their lack of energy and concentration leads to poor grades and attendance. Teens often choose to run away from home or even begin to abuse drugs or alcohol. Another things is that adolescents suffering from depression all suffer from low self esteem. Anything can trigger this feeling of low self esteem from a statement that someone says to them, etc.
Many adolescents as mentioned previously suffer from eating disorders. Severe weight gain, or weight loss as well as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are all symptoms and signs of depression that if caught early enough could be corrected.
Adolescent depression is a serious condition that if suspected, should be brought to the attention of a medical professional. If left untreated it could develop into a more severe case of major depression and or death by suicide.
539 words, reading time ~ 2:09 mins
Tags: adolescent, Adolescent Depression, adolescent depression article, adolescent depression symptoms, adolescent depression treatment, adolescents, causes of adolescent depression, child depression, Depression
