Depression in Teenagers

Teenagers are very prone to depression with one in five teens having a mental health problem. Significant physical (puberty) and emotional tension i.e. dating, parent conflicts, and school pressure are common during the unstable transition from childhood to adulthood.

Most severely depressed teens feel very isolated and alone. It is important for parents, siblings, and friends to reach out to them in a nonjudgmental way to listen and reassure. Keep in mind, there will be turmoil with even the most stable teen.

Depression is treatable. Get a counselor involved. Begin psychotherapy, frequently over the teen’s resistance. Antidepressant and insomnia medication may be helpful. Generally, talking about depression and suicidal feelings will not make the problem worse. Hospitalization may be helpful in severe cases as a safe place for emotional reconstitution.

Stress events that can cause teenage depression: relationship breakups; parent divorces or conflicts; school achievement problems; family history of depression or bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of depression are varied: persistent sad moods and boredom; decreased self confidence; irritability; social withdrawal, dropping extra activities; apathy, decreased school grades; pessimism; alcohol or drug abuse; suicidal feelings; changes in eating habits and/or sleeping patterns.

Work to prevent depression: Good child and adolescent mental health strategies begin in childhood. Keep children active in the community through scouting, volunteer work, or paid jobs. Encourage joining faith and community youth groups along with sports teams or social groups.

The 2007 Interfaith Conference on Suicide Prevention and Mental Wellness for Youth will be held on May 8 at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Annandale. To register for this free conference go to: fairfaxyouth.org/toolkit/index.html.

There will be a FREE Senior Health Fair at Mount Vernon Hospital on May 24 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. If interested in having many health screenings for FREE, please call 703-204-3366 for an appointment.