DEPRESSION AND TEENS

Depression in adolescence is more than just sadness and in fact can be an overwhelming and exhausting problem. Teens with depression are at a greater risk of not having their mental health issues addressed since they often don’t yet know how to articulate what they are feeling or because they choose not to share what they are feeling because of their desire for independence.  Also, it is not uncommon for parents to misinterpret the symptoms of depression as simply being the result of normal “teenage angst.”

Depressed mood is more common in teenagers because of:
• The normal process of maturing and the stress that occurs with it
• The influence of sex hormones
• Independence conflicts with parents

Teens who are most likely to respond to stressful events with symptoms of depression:
• Have low self-esteem
• Are very critical of themselves
• Feel little control over negative events

Depression in teenagers can be a response to many situations and stresses including:
• Bullying or harassment at school or somewhere else
• Child abuse – both physical and sexual
• Lack of social skills
• Learning disabilities
• Long-term illness
• Poor parenting or care-giving
• Stressful life events, such as the loss of a parent to death or divorce
• Many adolescents with depression may also have:
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia)

It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as:
• The death of a friend or relative
• A breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend
• Failure at school

Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. A family history of depression also puts teenagers at greater risk.The good news is that depression is treatable. Psychotherapy or a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication can help ensure recovery. There are several approaches to psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and psycho-dynamic, among others, that help teens work through their depression. It is critical that a teen feel comfortable working with his/her therapist in order to address their symptoms of depression as well as the underlying causes.

In addition to psychotherapy the following activities may help in decreasing the impact of depression:
• Regular Exercise
• Healthy Diet
• Social Activities
• Good Sleep & Hygiene
• Education/Schooling Assistance
• Eating foods rich in Omega3
• Getting 800 IUs per day of Vitamin D

**Alcohol and drug use can negatively impact your brain chemical systems making depression worse and should be avoided.

How to TUNE INTO YOUR TEEN

The common thread among teens that do well and stay drug-free is that they have close relationships with their parents. They feel connected, because their parents listen to them and take time to find out what’s going on in their world. This only makes sense. Teens that are close to their parents or a trusted adult caregiver have more at stake when it comes to decisions about risk-taking. At that moment of truth when they are confronted with a risky choice, they don’t want to disappoint their parent or betray their trust. They are also more open to their parents’ advice. In fact, if you are connected, supportive and responsive to your teen it will be much easier for you to take on the tougher parts of parenting, such as setting rules and discipline. You can simply be a strict parent, but your teens won’t have lasting respect for your rules unless they believe that you also care for them.

Examples of how to tune in:

• Spend one on one time together regularly, doing things your teen enjoys.
• Talk openly and honestly.
• Use positive communication skills, especially when there is conflict. For example, think before you speak and acknowledge your teen’s point-of-view so he or she knows you are listening.
• Acknowledge the positive qualities and behaviors of your teenager.
• Know your teen’s friends, hobbies and interests.
• Eat meals together regularly.  

SIGNS YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE USING SUBSTANCES:

• School work has declined; grades suddenly slipping or dropping dramatically
• Missing school (skipping secretly or too “tired” or “sick” to go)
• Mood changes (irritable, crying jags)
• Dropping out of usual activities (music, sports, hobbies)
• Physical appearance changing (poor hygiene, unusual style changes)
• Friends suddenly change; doesn’t introduce new friends
• Money or valuables missing from parents’ purse, from home
• Furtive or secretive behavior (e.g., bedroom door locked and takes long time to answer)
• Hostile, aggressive outbursts
• Seems to have “lost” motivation
• Forgetfulness
• Unusual sleeping habits (changing over time or dramatic change)
• Depressed
• Anxious
• My child just doesn’t seem “right”