What is teen depression?
Teen depression is a condition that occurs in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 to 17 years. It's considered an under-diagnosed mental health issue in this population, which can lead to decreased school attendance, poorer academic performance and other negative consequences.
1. Causes of teenage depression
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as depression can be caused by a number of different factors. Some possible causes of teenage depression include:
1) Traumatic experiences – including physical or sexual abuse, bullying, and family problems;
2) Economic difficulties – such as being homeless or living in poverty;
3) Relationship problems – such as getting dumped or having disagreements with friends and family members;
4) Medical conditions – like anxiety and ADHD - which can lead to depressive symptoms in people who are susceptible to them;
5) Mental health issues
2. symptoms of teenage depression
There are many symptoms of teen depression counseling but some of the more common ones include: feeling sad or down most of the time, having a decreased interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, losing weight or not eating at all, sleeping a lot less than usual, being irritable and easily frustrated, feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to talk with your doctor about them so they can evaluate if teen depression is likely cause.
3. How to get help for teenage depression
If you are a parent, if you know someone who is a teenager, or if you are feeling overwhelmed and want to get help for yourself or someone else, there are specific resources available.
4. Tips for talking to your teen about depressive symptoms
1. It's important to be supportive and understanding when your teen is struggling with depressive symptoms. Tell them that you are there for them, and understand how they're feeling. Offer encouragement and support as they work through their feelings.
2. Encourage your teen to talk about their feelings openly, whether with you or another trusted person. This can help them feel better understood and encouraged in their struggles, as well as provide valuable insight into the condition itself.
3. Remind your teen that depression is a serious mental health disorder which requires professional treatment if it's not managed
