Title:
Teenage depression: Is it just a phase in growth?
Summary
Unlike any form of depression, Teenage depression may perhaps be the most delicate and challenging to diagnose and treat. However learning the signs of and tips for overcoming depression in teens can be helpful to both prevent and control this emotional discomfort in our youth.
Keywords
Teenage Depression
Article Body
We all remember when we were teenagers. Boy, what a phase in our lives.
What with the need for peer acceptance, parental expectations, raging hormones, acne
Its no wonder teenage depression exists in such high numbers.
Article Body
From research and even mere observation, teenage depression actually manifests itself differently from adult or childhood depression as during this age, teens want to start to mark their territorial signs of independence and the last thing a teen may want to do is admit they need help for depression. Teenagers tend not to display gloom, self-depreciation, or talk about feeling hopeless like adults do during this stage of their lives if they are depressed, so as a parent or adult role-model you may need to watch for other signs of depression in the teenager you are dealing with.
Teenage Depression: Symptoms to watch out for
Though the signs of teenage depression may vary in both sexes, here are some symptoms that are common to both male and female teens battling with depression.
Excessive promiscuity or an extreme isolation from members of their opposite sex.
Although this is not a conclusive list of the signs of teenage depression one should look out for in teens, the ones listed above are the most common ones. In addition to these depression symptoms in regards to teenager, other ones may include a lower self-esteem than average, referrals to suicide (in extreme cases) and a general negative outlook on life.
It indeed may be challenging to cope with as an adult to deal with a depressed teenager as its a catch 22 situation, they want to be independent as teens, yet they need your help.
Well, this may be a good time to simply take charge, albeit with care and caution as we are dealing with delicate and sensitive emotions here and reach out to help.
Excessive promiscuity or an extreme isolation from members of their opposite sex.
Teenage Depression: Solutions for coping with depression in your teen
Suggest one-on-one outings with phrases like: hey, how about a game of basket ball, just you and I..? or Hey how about us girls take a trip to the Mall?
If they refuse, dont appear too crushed; simply respond with an understanding okay maybe some other time
Watch for signs of suicide (in extreme cases) and if there is the slightest
indication, double up your efforts to reach your teen. It helps if youve been close as parent and child from the beginning.
Prayer. If you are spiritual, pray and it doesnt hurt and can help immensely to ask
your depressed teen to join. Where two or more are gathered in My name, there will I be. Keep that promise from Above in mind-it works.
Teenage depression may wear a different mask from all other types, but it is essentially the same and with the proper steps taken can be overcome. Do not panic, however, be strong and there for your teen and in applying the steps above with other suggestions or creative ideas you deem right as an adult dealing with a depressed teen, you will be able to steer him or her back to a positive outlook on life.