A lot is happening and changing when a child gets older and begins to enter adulthood. Being a teenager, young boys and girls face countless new experiences, obstacles, and challenges. Both they and their parents find it thought-provoking since they frequently are unsure of how to respond to these developments. The dilemma of whether the observed alterations are the product of teenage rebellion or whether they point to teen depression occurs frequently. Time to gather all the most important knowledge on that matter.
What Is Teen Depression?
The first thing most parents experience when they see their children’s changing mood is simply sadness. Parents are protective of their kids, and they do not want to admit that there is something more serious going on. However, teen depression is a serious issue in the modern world. The sooner adults react and help the youngsters, the better for everyone.
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Depression itself can be difficult to diagnose and describe since it can often be hidden behind the mask of a happy and healthy person. It is crucial to understand that depression is not a momentary disorder or the feeling of being down. Such problems can last for many months, years even. Scientists also believe that in 70% of cases, such depressive episodes will bounce back from time to time.
When it comes to teen depression, the problem is even more complex. Many are likely to believe and accept that it is just the way Generation Z teenagers conduct themselves. Let us face the facts – depression is not some temporary fashion or a popular lifestyle. We are talking of a serious mental disorder, which potentially can have serious consequences on the affected person.
How to Diagnose Depression Among Teenagers?
The first episode of depression in the lives of around 25% of individuals occurs when they are teens. There is a notable increase in the frequency of depression between the ages of 11 and 15 years of age. Roughly 70% of teenagers could have a relapse of depression during the next five years. As a result, this illness should not be underestimated.
Adults may find it difficult to separate depression from typical teenage traits such as independence, emotional swings, or age-related immaturity. It gets even more difficult when a teenager is in a terrific mood one day and does not want to get out of bed the following.
That is why it is important to understand the following symptoms of teen depression:
- Blues mood: one does not see hope for anything, feels despair not inducted by any specific incidents.
- Emotional swings: mood shift from being overly excited to extreme sadness and nihilism.
- Sleep issues: a teen can sleep either too little or too much, wake up at night, or take long naps throughout the day.
- Concentration problems: one finds it difficult to remember simple things, and forgets about their promises and tasks.
- Appetite disorders: teen depression evokes either eating too much or too little with many teenagers turning to an unhealthy diet.
- Excessive guilt: some may wrongly feel accountable for all sorts of negative things happening around them.
Teen Depression – Do Not Hesitate to Consult a Specialist
Even when it comes to teen depression, such disorders are diagnosed by professional psychiatrists. Therapy consists of long-term psychotherapy and, if necessary, the use of pharmacotherapy. It normally takes some time for the teenager to start feeling better and getting back on track. If you are a parent of a child affected by depressive episodes, never hesitate to consult a specialist. Provide the teenager with a helping hand before things get even more serious.