A number of recent studies have brought to our attention the fact that depression is a growing problem among today’s teenagers. Of most concern was a study done at the University of Alberta that indicated that 25% of teenage girls suffer from at least one occurrence of clinical depression during their teen years. Clinical depression is the most serious form of this disorder in which the symptoms of a single episode last for at least two weeks. Other studies indicate that the incidence of teenage depression in the general teen population is actually on the rise in recent years. Given the frequency and severity of this disorder, it is vital that parents recognize the symptoms and, if they persist for more than a few days, get immediate professional help.
When most people think of depression, they visualize an overall state of sadness and diminished interest in activities. While these can also be symptoms of teen depression, they are more likely to be irritable than sad. The keys for parents to look for in adolescents, then, include at least five of the following symptoms over the same two week period:
- depressed mood (or irritablility) most of the day
- lack of interest in favorite activities nearly every day
- decrease in appetite (occasionally a marked increase)
- noticeable change in sleep patterns (usually insomnia)
- fatigue or loss of energy every day
- feeelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- diminished ability to concentrate or unusual indecisiveness
- recurrent thought or verbalizations about death
- unusual agitation or apparent anxiety with no apparent reason
If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is vital that parents sit down with their adolescents and see if they can find anything wrong in their environment that would cause the depression. Have they been dumped by their girl/boy friend, failed an important test or been in trouble with the law lately? If so then the depression has a clear cause and potential answers. If no apparent reason can be found, and if the symptoms last at least two weeks, be sure to check for suicidal thoughts. Ask them straight out if they are considering suicide and if so, do they have a plan. Do not be afraid that this will put thoughts into their heads - you have to find this information out. If the answer to any of the suicide questions is yes, then seek help immediately. If you don’t know where to look, every major city has a suicide hot line. Just look up “suicide” in the telephone book.
Depression of short duration is common in teens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. These depression normally only last a day or two and parents should not overreact. However, depression of longer duration can be deadly. Look for the range of symptoms described above and take action immediate action when necessary.