TEEN DEPRESSION

Teenage depression has become a hidden epidemic among America’s adolescents with some experts estimating that four to five percent of our youth suffer from clinical depression. While moodiness and irritability are common among teens, clinical depression is more severe, persists for long periods and can lead to health problems, even suicide. 

The kids at greatest risk are the ones who have experienced a life-changing event such as parental abuse, divorce, a broken relationship, difficulties in school (poor grades, failing to make a sports team) and problems with their peers (bullying). While any negative event can send a teen into a brief emotional tailspin, they can’t “snap out” of a clinical depression.

Parents should look for signs of the onset of depression. These include bouts of sadness and crying; fits of anger; head aches and stomach aches; skipping classes, failing grades, irregular eating and sleeping habits, marked gain or loss of body weight, excessive intake of food and sleeping for long hours. Look for changes in appearance and signs of self-mutilation that suggest a loss of self-respect. Listen to the lyrics of their music and notice the kind of video games they’re playing to get clues as to their mindset. Watch for signs that they’re medicating their feelings with alcohol or drugs. And, be sure to meet any new friends – misery loves company and, often, it is the wrong kind of company.

Few teens suffering from depression will seek professional help. If you suspect your child is seriously depressed, talk to him or her about it and try to find out what is troubling them. Consider getting professional advice. In addition to taking a medical history and a physical exam, doctors can use screening tools to determine whether your child suffers from clinical depression.