Depression in Teenagers
Signs, Symptoms and Causes of Adolescent Anxiety and Panic
Teenage depression can be more than mood swings or the occasional blues; it can be a deep sadness or feeling of despair that lingers for a long time. Depression is a common and serious illness in both adolescence and adulthood, regardless of your ethnicity, economic status, or age.
Symptoms
There are many different types of depression and different individuals may show varying symptoms or no visible signs at all. Symptoms include:
- Feelings of hopelessness and sadness, often for no specific reason.
- Crying for no specific reason.
- Sleeping too much, tiredness or sleeping too little.
- Loss of energy and motivation.
- Loss of interest in activities and friends.
- Loss of self-worth and self-confidence.
- Spending more time than usual alone, away from family and friends.
- Feelings of anxiety and panic.
- Eating too much or losing your appetite and not eating enough.
- Trouble concentrating and focusing.
- Difficulty completing projects and tasks and keeping your grades up.
- Obsessive, dark or erratic thoughts or behavior.
- Irritability, hostility, anger and sulking often mistaken for rebelliousness.
- Thoughts of suicide or harming oneself physically.
Causes of Depression
Teenage depression can’t always be prevented and there isn’t always a known cause. But there are things that can reduce the chances of an episode if you are at risk. It is important to know what the triggers for depression are and how to seek help.
Genetics
Some of the causes of depression in teenagers are linked to your genes and women are more likely to inherit depression. If a parent or other family members suffered from depression at any time in their lives, chances are you will too. But your DNA doesn’t have to be your destiny; depression can be treated successfully in a number of ways, including counseling and medical treatment. Talk to your family doctor if you think you may be suffering from clinical depression.
Feeling SAD?
In the dreary days of winter, it’s easy to feel down. Two out of every 100 people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which causes mood swings, tiredness, weight gain or loss, irritability and anxiety. Symptoms for SAD are similar to those for clinical depression, but they decrease or disappear, as the days get sunnier and longer in the spring and summer.
If your mood matches the dark gloomy days you can brighten things up. Uplift your spirits by heading outdoors for a walk or other exercise, even for only 30 minutes during the daylight hours. There are also other treatments for SAD such as light therapy; talk to your counselor or family doctor about what is best for you.
What’s Eating You?
Your diet could be causing your depression and is the first factor to look at. Your mother is right: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Jumpstart your day with some protein such as eggs, complex carbohydrates such as a whole-wheat bagel and milk or fruit juice. This will not only elevate your mood but also rev up your brain and energy level. Eat your breakfast no more than two hours after waking up and avoid simple carbohydrates such as sugary cereals that provide a burst of energy and then a sharp drop. Too much caffeine has the same effect.
A well-balanced diet keeps your body healthy. This is the best defense against the stress of depression. Choose the right foods throughout the day. When blood sugar is low mood swings are more likely to occur. Eat slow-acting, low-glycemic carbohydrates, along with high quality fats and proteins to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Avoid pop, chocolate bars and chips and have juice, an apple, and a peanut butter or cheese sandwich instead.
It is also important to avoid alcohol and drugs, including cigarettes – these can trigger depression and other very unhealthy symptoms, including acne and yellow teeth.
Wake-Up Call
Teens need 8 to10 hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation affects health, concentration and judgment and can lead to depression. It helps to have a regular schedule and avoid distractions such as music, internet or television in the bedroom. Regular exercise such as running even for only 20 minutes helps you get a restful good night’s sleep. Just be sure avoid exercising at least 3 hours before you go to bed.
Perspective
Prioritize your responsibilities and share your ups and downs with family and friends to get a better perspective on life. Keep a journal or find healthy outlets for your emotions such as creative writing, sports, arts, or activism in a meaningful cause. Talk to your family physician if you feel you are suffering from depression.
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