Teen Depression – What is it?

The National Institute of Mental Health defines depression as long term feelings of sadness, unhappiness and often changes in behavior that have a negative impact on a person’s life. Everyone experiences times of sadness, the blues or just feeling not connected and down, however, depression when the sad and unhappy feelings continue and begin to take over.

Depression – Statistics
Some reports state that approximately 1 in 5 teenagers experience depression. The National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement reports that 11% of teenagers have a depressive disorder by the age of 18.

The teenage years are often when depression starts. The World Health Organization states that Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in people ages 15 to 44.

Depression – Risks for teenagers

 

Drug and alcohol abuse are common symptoms for depressed teens. If your teen is drinking a lot of alcohol, regularly using marijuana or other drugs, seek help.

If your teen seems down for a couple of days, there typically is little concern; however, if the sadness continues and is interrupting their daily life or family life, it is time to intervene. It is more than just a phase that will pass.

Depression can be successfully treated.

Reference:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-and-adolescents/index.shtml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000648.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16356779