#Depression #adolescence
In this article I have proposed to write to you about a very important but often underestimated topic: depression during adolescence. Many people think that depression only affects adults, but young people can also suffer from this disease – sometimes even without those around them realizing it.
What is depression?
Depression is not just a state of sadness or a “bad time”, but a serious mental illness. Affected people feel, for a longer period of time, empty inside and without hope. It is difficult for them to enjoy the things they used to do with pleasure and to motivate themselves. Sometimes, in the brain, certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, can be deregulated, which affects mood. Although changes may occur in these neurotransmitter systems, depression is a multifactorial disorder, much more complex than a “chemical imbalance”. The exact mechanisms differ from one person to another, involving biological, psychological and social factors, which interact with each other.
Adolescent depression is the appearance of this affective disorder during adolescence, approximately between the ages of 12 and 18. This condition is not a “puberty phase”, but a serious mental condition that requires attention and treatment.
Why are young people particularly exposed?
There is no single specific cause. Adolescence is a period full of changes – physical, emotional and social.
• Young people face a lot of stress and pressure. High performance is constantly demanded at school – a state, as a rule, amplified by parents’ expectations. (Of course, the parents have good intentions, and the children do not want to disappoint them – but this way the stress and pressure become even greater).
• Age-specific hormonal and physical changes
• Internal factors: perfectionism, anxiety, low self-esteem
• In social networks, young people always compare themselves with others. Friends and relationships become very important, but at the same time more complicated.
• Sometimes problems arise in the family: parents’ divorce, illnesses, etc., which can be perceived as a loss or disruption of their security. (However, what matters most is not the divorce itself, because, depending on their age, teenagers understand the conflict quite well, but the way in which the separation is structured).
• Personal losses, bullying, loneliness.
All these factors, as well as personal vulnerability due to genetic predisposition, can increase the risk of depression during adolescence.
How do we recognize depression in young people?
Depression often manifests itself differently in young people than in adults. The most common signs are persistent irritability, anger, refusal to communicate and social isolation.
Here are some of the many possible symptoms:
- Sadness
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Lack of hope, fear of the future
- Loss of interest and pleasure in favorite activities
- Lack of energy
- Sleep disorders (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain)
- Physical pain without a specific medical cause (psychosomatic)
- Isolation from family and friends
- Concentration problems
- Decrease in school performance
- In very serious cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
If one, two or more of these symptoms last more than two weeks, it is very important to ask for help!
How can we help?
We can all learn to be careful. The most important thing is to take seriously all the changes we observe and to become receptive to children’s suffering. Let’s listen empathetically, when they say something, but let’s not judge them, calling these behaviors “weaknesses”, but recognize them as small cries for help. Many young people do not dare to talk about what they feel, for fear of being considered weak. But actually asking for help is an act of courage.
Support can come not only from parents or family members, but also from friends, teachers and/or school psychologists. First of all, let’s respect all children – regardless of their age, let’s constantly show them that, regardless of what the future holds or brings, we are with them and we don’t leave them alone. Sometimes the simple question “Hey, how are you really feeling?” can have a huge impact, because it is related to the feeling “my person matters – I am seen”.
If you notice that for more than two weeks a child is not doing well and you consider that he needs help, but refuses to open up to you, then maybe you can motivate him to do it anonymously through the following free services:
- The Children’s Telephone Romania: 116 111
- Sperante’s phone number: 0800 801 200
- The unique emergency number for children: 119
Treatment
Depression in adolescents can be treated successfully, if it is recognized in time.
The first step towards healing is to talk about the inner emptiness and all the perceived states. Adolescents do not always want or can talk to their parents, which is why it is possible for a neutral outsider to provide professional help. In the first phase, school psychologists, pediatricians or family doctors can provide professional help.
In the case of a longer drug treatment, it is good to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist. In parallel, psychotherapy is very effective, because it helps to understand thoughts and emotions, to identify problems and their causes.
There are several types of psychotherapy, but they all offer tools that support us in managing our thoughts, emotions and behaviors, a better understanding of ourselves and the development of a healthy relationship with ourselves and others.
I wish that the most beautiful day of your life is everyday!
reference
Myers, D. G. (2013). Psychology. New York: WORTH PUBLISHERS.
Wittchen, H.-U., & Hoyer, J. (2011). Klinische Psychologie & Psychotherapie (2. Aufl.). Berlin [u.a.]: Springer.
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