Teen Depression

CHILDHOOD and teen depression is a reality. This is one of the most alarming facts to come from all the research; depression is affecting younger and younger people - adolescents and teenagers. (1) Here we look at why, and what we can do about it.

Twenty years ago depression in children was almost unknown. Now the fastest rate of increase in depression is among young people. Again, this backs up the fact that most depression is not caused by chemical imbalances, whether in adolescents, teenagers or adults.

What we are seeing are changes in society where basic needs (see later in the Depression Learning Path) for companionship, healthy goals, responsibility, connection to others and meaning are not automatically met. Children, adolescents and teens are fed a constant diet of images showing how we are meant to look, sound and be, and told that this is important in life. Meaning is attached to what they have, or look like, rather than what they do, or achieve.

Regardless of our own affluence, we see what those at the 'top' have and are told we should have it too, without thought for the tools or strategies to go about achieving it. During childhood, teenage years and particularly adolescence, pressure to conform with peers can be almost intolerably strong. If children feel different, inadequate or deprived in some way, then depression may result, depending on how they deal with it.

Teen Depression Study

In a recent study by the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in Western Australia, of 400 children aged 9 to 12, 16 were found to be clinically depressed, with 112 assessed as being vulnerable to future depression. Depressed children believed that happiness is achieved through the acquisition of fame, money and beauty. Happier children tended to believe that feeling good comes from healthy attitudes and pursuing worthwhile goals.

Teen depression, or bad moods?

Depression in adolescents may be difficult to spot because sulkiness, irritability, antisocial behaviour, negativity and withdrawal often go hand in hand with growing up.

In younger children, depression may present as morbid preoccupation with death and dying. The child may exhibit extreme fear of being separated from a parent or parents and lose interest in participating in games with other children.

As you progress through the Learning Path, you will come to understand clinical depression in a way that allows you to see how children and teens become depressed, just as adults do, and how their depression can be treated in a similar way.

Children and teenagers can been taught specific skills and ways of thinking which can a) help lift depression and b) help prevent relapse. These skills are already being taught in some schools with remarkable results. You will learn more about this as you continue.

Symptoms of Teenage Depression

As well as showing many of the same symptoms of adult depression, some symptoms of teenage depression are:

• A downward trend in performance at school or college
• Change in personal hygiene and appearance
• Destructive and/or defiant behavior
• Hallucinations or unusual beliefs
• Appetite or weight has changed considerably (has lost or gained a substantial amount of weight)
• May appear restless, agitated (pacing, wringing hands) or has slowed down (e.g., spends hours staring in front, finds it hard to move)
• Has lost a lot of energy, complains of feeling tired all the time
• Complaints of feeling guilty or worthless ('everything is my fault', 'I am bad')
• Belief that life is not worth living