Teenage depression is a very real problem. According to a WHO report, adolescent depression affects one in four adolescents in India, making it the country with the highest suicide rate among all Southeast Asian countries. Until recently it was thought that depression did not affect children and adolescents, but nothing can be far from the truth; Depression is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents, caused by untreated depression.
Teenage depression can be a difficult condition to recognize, as it can show signs similar to normal teenage moodiness. So it can be upsetting to tell a teen suffering from teen depression that they might just be in a bad mood. In fact, most teens feel unhappy and moody at times. Adolescence itself is a turbulent time for children. With all the hormonal changes they go through and many other changes that happen in their lives, it’s easy to see why they have such sharp mood swings. Depression is a very different matter; It’s not just a simple bad mood. It is a serious mental health condition that can even lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. It is a serious problem that affects all aspects of a teenager’s life. Untreated depression can lead to substance abuse (illicit drugs), academic failure, eating disorders, and even suicide.
But why do teenagers have depression? There are a multitude of reasons why a teenager may develop depression. For example, it’s easy for teens to develop feelings of worthlessness because of their grades, academic performance, social status among peers, or an unstable home life that can affect a teen’s behavior. Adolescents, unlike adults, do not have the ability to seek help on their own. They depend on their parents, teachers, or elders to help them recognize their suffering and give them the help they need.
How to spot the warning signs? Some of the prominent signs and symptoms in a teen suffering from depression include:
· Feelings of sadness or helplessness.
· Low self-esteem.
· Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
Lack of appetite or overeating resulting in weight loss or gain.
· Easy irritability and anger.
Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
· Social isolation, staying away from friends and family.
Low energy and always feeling tired.
Hard self-criticism.
· Thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
The signs are not always obvious, but these are the ones to look out for as a warning sign. It’s important to know what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the signs. Your continued support could go a long way in helping them recover.