Depression in Teen-agers

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Depression among children and adolescents is a reality. However, unfortunately, when a teenager shows signs of depression, we as parents, teachers and adults, put it down to the teen being moody or the pubertal hormones taking control. In the context of increasing suicide attempts by people in the 15-24 years age group, it is time to wake up and accept that teen depression is very much a part of the world we are living in right now and what’s more, it can happen to anyone, anytime.Just like adults, teens face a lot of pressures from the world around them. They have many issues – changes that puberty brings, discovering their identity and so on. Teenagers are also overwhelmed with the choices that they have to make. Although, it is not very easy to differentiate between mood swings and depression in teens, it is important that extreme mood changes in your teen are not ignored. Depression is a real problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life.If you have an adolescent in your life, it is imperative that you become familiar with what teen depression is . Unlike adults, teens with depression may not necessarily appear sad; irritability, anger and agitation are more common. Some other prominent, early signs of depression in teens are: tearfulness or frequent crying, withdrawal from friends, family, and academics, changes in eating and sleeping habits, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fatigue or lack of energy, thoughts of suicide or death, among others.The key to helping your teen with depression is not ignoring his/her problems. It is crucial that as a parent or caregiver you pay attention to his/her concerns, listening, being gentle and empathetic and acknowledging feelings. An adolescent with depression often secludes himself/herself from friends and family. In such a scenario it is essential to encourage social connections. Face to face conversations with your teen sans the noise of smart phones and TV, social groups and activities, and engaging in volunteer work together, will help eliminate social isolation. Physical health should be prioritised at all times and even more so when signs of depression are being noticed. Involve your teen in physical routines or exercises – a run under the open skies will help.Some moodiness is part of growing up but extreme or persistent changes in personality, mood, and/or behaviour are indicative of a deeper problem. If you are not sure whether your child is experiencing depression or is just experiencing mood swings, it is best to seek professional help from a mental health professional.
Taking your Teen for Therapy – Tips and SuggestionsYou spotted something unusual about your child’s behaviour, or, perhaps saw that your child is being increasingly sensitive about small things. Just about anything that deviates from your child’s usual pattern of emotions, behaviour, etc., may leave you worried, and you go on to find out what’s wrong. So let us assume that you spoke to your child, did your bit of research and even found out about a therapist who can help with your child. Now what? How will you broach the subject of psychotherapy with your teen? Is he going to willingly accept speaking to a total stranger about his concerns? Is it going to be easy for him to accept that he needs help?Telling anybody, adult or adolescent, that he needs therapy, conveys the message that you feel something is wrong with him and only professional help can sort his life out. This attitude can be largely blamed on the stigma associated with mental health issues and thus you cannot really blame the person in question for feeling so. As an adult, we may disregard the myths and stigma associated with seeking help for our mental hygiene, but it’s difficult for a young adolescent to do the same for several reasons.

[Anonymous]

why are you posting this inside forum? this is community forum of Samsung related news or issue not your psychology class .....please maintain forum rules if you don't want to get permanently blocked by admin...may you didn't notice rules properly by admin..