Adolescents today confront the double challenges of adjusting to a swiftly changing world and managing the physical transformations happening in their bodies. Additionally, a noteworthy amount of teenagers go through depression, which can have serious outcomes. Bostic reveals that around half of depressed teenagers who don’t receive treatment may try to commit suicide, ranking it as the third main cause of death for this age group. This mental health disorder not only adversely affects their academic achievements and family relationships but also harms their self-perception. As a result, depression significantly impacts numerous teenagers who often remain unnoticed and do not obtain adequate treatment.
Depression, a psychological disorder, has a global impact on approximately 100 million individuals. Its effects can range from mild feelings of uneasiness, sadness, and apathy to severe suicidal despair if left untreated. Common symptoms include the inability to derive pleasure from once-enjoyed activities, abnormal eating and sleeping patterns, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and self-harm-related thoughts or behaviors. Depression can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
In comparison to boys, girls who have reached puberty are twice as likely to experience severe depression. Furthermore, specific groups such as gay and bisexual youths and American Indians face higher rates of depression due to societal non-acceptance of their lifestyle.
Depression entails both physical and emotional effects, leading to distress for the person affected as well as their loved ones. Studies indicate that depression can lead to increased levels of irritability and aggression (Hyde). This condition is intricate and influenced by multiple factors. If not addressed, adolescents with depression may face challenges in their educational pursuits, withdraw socially, and experience substantial adverse consequences. Providing support can have a profound impact and potentially avert tragic outcomes.
Works Cited
- Bostic, Jeff Q. “Teen Depression: When should You Worry?” Newsweek May 16 2005: 52. Proquest. Web. 3 December 2013.
- Cash, Ralph E. “When Depression Brings Teens Down.” The Education Digest. 69.3 (2003): 35-42. Proquest. Web. 22 November 2013.
- “DEPRESSION STIKES HOME.” Children’s Voice Nov 2003: 14-5. Proquest. Web. 26 Nov. 2013Hyde, Margaret O., Forsyth, Elizabeth H. “Depression: What you need to know.” Franklin Watts, 2002Kasschau, Richard A. “Understanding Psychology” Columbus: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Print.
- Martin, Michael J. “Teen Depression”. Lucent Books, 2005. Print. 3 December 2013.
- W. Meghan “10 Things that may cause teenage depression.” Mindyourmind.ca. Mind Your Mind, 22 May 2013. Web. 10 March 2014.
