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Symptoms:
» Frequent sadness and/or crying
» A feeling of hopelessness
» Low self esteem
» Acute sensitivity to rejection
or failure
» Social isolation
» Low energy and motivation
» Increased anger or irritability
» Withdrawal from friends and
family
» Thoughts of suicide
Sadness due to normal life stresses such as an argument
with a friend or family member, breaking up with
a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failing a test is
usually short-lived.
If a teenager has five or more of the above symptoms
for 2 weeks or more, he or she may be depressed
and should seek help.
Treatment for depression may include counseling,
medication, or both.
Depression does not mean that someone is “crazy”.
It is a physical problem that involves the chemicals
in the brain called neurotransmitters. When there
are an insufficient number of certain neurotransmitters
that regulate mood, depression occurs.
Just like you would go to the doctor if one of your
kidneys or lungs were not functioning properly,
you should seek help when you are experiencing depression.
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Teen Depression
Approximately 4 out of 100 teenagers get seriously
depressed each year. Children who have experienced
a loss, are under stress, are having problems at
home or whose parents are suffering from depression,
are more likely to develop depression themselves.
Types of depression:
» Major Depression – a
severe, short-lasting depression
» Dysthymia - a longer-lasting
(more than 2 years) but less severe type
» Adjustment Disorder with Depressed
Mood – a reaction to a specific life
event (death, divorce, etc.)
» Manic-Depression or Bipolar Illness - alternate between periods of highs and lows.
Continued
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