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Depression in Teenagers
How to recognize the symptoms and steps
towards healing |
Depression effects 4% of teenagers and can influence people
across the socioeconomic spectrum. However, girls suffer depression at twice the rate of
boys. Why does this happen? More Importantly, what can be done to stop depression before
it reaches fatal proportions?
Why do girls suffer depression?
There are many theories on why teenage girls tend to become depressed. It has been
hypothesized that the onset of puberty and hormonal changes are factors. Also, when girls
look to peers for validation it often can be hard to retain a positive self-image. In
1988, Harvard professor Carol Gilligan found that only 29% of teenage girls are not
satisfied with who they are. Girls worry more than boys about their looks, personal
problems and romantic relationships. Sometimes social pressures and gossip can be subtle
but still very hurtful.
What are the symptoms of general depression?
It can be hard to know when teenagers suffer depression. As they try to figure out who
they are and what they believe in, changes in behavior are normal . However, problems
arise when an adolescent feels helpless and hopeless much of the time. If a teenager feels
two or more of these symptoms for two consecutive weeks, he or she might be suffering from
depression:
- Change in school performance
- Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Persistent unhappiness
- Withdrawal from people and activities previously enjoyed
- Excessive guilt and/or anxiety
- Aggressive, impulsive or reckless behaviors
- Inability to concentrate
- Becoming irritable or angered easily
- Physical aches and pains
- Talking about death or suicide - this should always be taken
seriously.
Professional help often aids the battle against depression, as was
the case with Stephanie.
Stephanie's story
When Stephanie* was 16 years old she was diagnosed with depression. As a junior in high
school, she stopped going to school. If she did go, she would suddenly have sobbing fits.
She also did not want to eat. As a result, Stephanie lost 15 pounds. She often thought of
suicide, but never told anyone.
Stephanie’s family, friends and teachers were very worried
about her. She was persuaded to get help. She went to a therapist and to a psychiatrist
who prescribed medication.
At first she resisted taking medication; she did not want to be
labeled unstable or chemically unbalanced. However, she decided to try the medicine and,
with consistent intake, she found that she was feeling much better. When she believed she
was not depressed anymore, she stopped taking the medication.
Once she graduated high school and entered college, Stephanie became
depressed in the spring semester of her freshman year. This time it was worse.
Contemplating suicide, she was in and out of hospitals for the next four years. Her final
release, however, resulted in desire for positive change.
Stephanie decided that this time she would stay on the medication,
and listen to the her doctors. She also decided to transfer to be closer to home. Right
now Stephanie is feeling her best ever.
 Light at the End of the Tunnel
Everything is not lost. Therapy, positive reinforcement, and - in some cases - medication,
can pull a teenager from depression. Staying active, listening to music, exercising, and
going out may also lead to a better outlook on life.
* name has been changed to protect anonymity.
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by Joselin Pichardo,
edited by Halley Bondy,
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http://www.heartsandminds.org/self/depression.htm - online in June 2002,
latest revision October 12, 2006 |