Teen Depression

The term "depression" is regularly used in daily conversation to indicate a feeling of unhappiness or dejection. However, full-blown depression is not simply a feeling of unhappiness or of feeling low. It is a serious condition where feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair persist over long periods of time and interfere with an individual’s ability to function – at home, work, school, college and socially.

Depression generally is on the rise and, in the case of teenagers, it is increasing at an alarming rate. Look at these recent figures relating to teen depression:

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• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that there were 3 million depressed teens across America in 2003. • Close to 3,000 teens take their own life every year and 90 percent of them have been diagnosed with a mental health condition – often depression. • One in 20 teens will have a depressive episode and 80% of them will not receive any help because teachers and parents miss the symptoms altogether! And according to UK Government statistics the BBC (Aug 2004) reported that: • One in 8 adolescents now suffer from teen depression. • The third leading cause of death in young people aged 10 to 19 is suicide. Depression and suicide tend to go hand in hand.

So . . .

What Causes Teen Depression?

As with depression in any age group specific causes are difficult to isolate. Much depends on individual circumstances. However, as well as those influences found in adult depression there are other unique triggers.

The Changing Values of Society
Teen depression does not appear to be present in all societies. Traditional communities like the Amish society in the US and the Kaluli tribe of New Guinea have hardly any cases of depression. But in modern societies of so called ‘progressive’ countries teen depression is rampant.

Communities such as that of the Amish foster an environment of helping each other and providing emotional, physical and spiritual support to all their members.

“Western” type societies on the other hand are more self-centered. While children may be taught to be helpful, they are also trained to be self focused and self sufficient. Basic needs for connection to others are not met. Meaning comes from what they have, look like, do or achieve. Rather than from who they are or what they truly value.

Media plays an important role
Media popularizes and promotes false ideals. Being glamorous, having a perfect body, being rich and famous, having perfect skin and hair, a great car, lots of girl/boyfriends - these are the kind of images teens are constantly bombarded with. Trying to be “cool” and measure up to these unrealistic standards puts huge pressure on many teenagers which can lead to low self-esteem and depression.

Academic pressure
With an ever increasing focus on ‘success’ and ‘getting ahead’ in life, good grades are not enough. Teens not only need exceptional grades, they often feel they need to be brilliant in extra-curricular activities as well. Being an athlete, part of the school debate or drama group, editor of the school paper – something ‘more’ which sets them apart from others. The pressure of exams can be unbearably intense and lead to frustration, anger and feelings of “I can’t do it” and low self worth.

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Peer pressure Being popular and fitting in is the thing for every teen across the globe. Peer pressure is intense and has an impact on many undesirable choices that many teenagers are making - whether or not to smoke, drink, have sex, attend school, indulge in criminal/antisocial behaviour for example. Conforming with their peers can become an everyday task and since teens can exaggerate the smallest of decisions or tasks into life altering events, the pressure can feel intolerable. Home Background In general, a healthy home and family breeds healthy children. Children from homes that don’t give them the emotional support, and love and care they need, are at a stronger risk of depression than those who do. As are teenagers of physically and/or emotionally abusive parents. Studies have also shown that depression may have a genetic component. So children who come from backgrounds where a parent suffers from depression are more likely to have be depressed themselves.

Personal Experiences
Some triggers or causes of teen depression may not appear to be important to an adult but it is the sufferer’s perception that is critical. For example, a breakup with a girl/boyfriend can cause depression symptoms, as can a move to a new area, a divorce as well as more obvious triggers such as the death of a loved one.

Many young people feel ‘stressed out’ or that ‘life is not fair’ and things never seem to go their way. To make matters worse, the conflicting messages from family, society and the media make them more confused. Unrealistic academic, social and family expectations can create a strong sense of failure and lead to a deep disappointment. If young people feel different, inadequate or deprived in some way, then teen depression can easily result.

A major challenge for parents, teachers and doctors is recognising when mood changes are not just due to the normal pains of growing up but are symptoms of teen depression. And, once recognised, it is essential that professional advice is sought so the best treatment can be given.

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