Teens Struggling with Depression
- TeenToTeen
- Sep 8, 2020
- 3 min read
TRIGGER WARNING
With the new found acceptance and awareness of mental health issues in the widespread media, more and more cases of mental health disorders have become apparent. Compared to 20 years ago, there is so much more acceptance and overall attention toward mental health issues. People are having conversations about these problems and more are realizing their symptoms and getting help. However, as a society there is still a lot of progress to be made. For the benefit of this article, we will be talking solely about depression. We will discuss statistics, reasons why teenagers are depressed, and how you can cope and manage with these feelings and issues.
Depression is the third most common killer in teens 12-18, so it is important to understand the basics of the disorder. Sometimes it’s not you “just feeling sad” and forcing yourself to “just get over it” might do more harm than good. So let’s talk about mental health.
With 14% of teens suffering from a depressive episode within the past 12 months, depression is becoming more and more prevalent. According to the DSM 5, major depressive disorder or clinical depression is persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest that continues for over 2 weeks. Of course “sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest” are extremely broad, with depression these symptoms are to the extreme. Aside from just “being sad,” here are some physical and emotional lesser known symptoms
Crankiness/ irritability
Unexplained body pain and aches
Tiredness all the time or sleeping too much
More school absences
Changes in appetite
Paying less attention to hygiene & appearance
Lack of empathy and motivation
Risky behaviors
Desire to do less than normal
Acting out
Acting “forced or fake” more often
Self-harm ( excessive piercing or tattooing also; with negative intent)
Slowed thinking and speaking
Drop in gradesLow self-esteem
Use of drugs or alcohol
With depression, the symptoms are not always noticeable to the naked eye. It’s important to note that seeing a change in your behavior or someone else’s, can be an important indicator of depression. Four out of five teens that have attempted suicide gave vital warning signs beforehand. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask the person about their feelings. Simply having a discussion with someone who is struggling, can help them out tremendously.
Causes of depression are very abstract as well. Depression, similar to other mental health disorders, are based on personal issues and experiences. However, there are some common threads throughout these causes:
· Family conflict
· Peer pressure
· Romantic issues
· Traumatic events
· Genetic factors
· Family financial struggles
· Physical/emotional neglect
Because 80% of teens do not receive help for their depression, the need for at home and self-coping mechanisms is high. Here is a list of things that could help:
· Maintain a schedule (gives you something to look forward to)
· Talking to a friend or an adult
· Journaling your emotions
· Exercise (I know, it sucks but it does help!)
· Developing a new hobby ( i.e. coloring books, developing a garden, cooking etc.)
· Meditating
· Reward yourself after accomplishments
· Listen to happy music
· and overall, do things that make you feel good!
However you decide to cope is truly up to you and your personality. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it is healthy and safe for yourself and everyone around you.
Depression is a serious issue, and can lead to unhealthy behavior such as self-harm or suicide. Remember that you are so important and loved by many. Sometimes it is hard to remember the good things when life feels so sad. I promise you that it will get better. If you or someone else you now feels like have there are no options left, I urge you to call a mental health hotline:
· 1-800-950-6264 is the national depression and mental health hotline
· 1-800-334-4357 and 1-800-366-8288 are self-harm helpline
· 1-800-273-8255 is the national suicide prevention lifeline
These all are 24/7 resources! You are so valuable. Even if you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything, you woke up and read this article. That is pretty amazing to me!
Name: Leighton Gammage
Editor: Nathalia Ramkissoon
Graphic Designer: Isabelle Thym
Photographer: Leighton Gammage
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