Depression

Depression

What is depression in teens?

Teen depression is a serious medical illness. It's more than just a feeling of being sad or "blue" for a few days. It is an intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and anger or frustration that lasts much longer. These feelings make it hard for you to function normally and do your usual activities. You may also have trouble focusing and have no motivation or energy. Depression can make you feel like it is hard to enjoy life or even get through the day.

What causes depression in teens?

Many factors may play a role in depression, including:

  • Genetics. Depression can run in families.

  • Brain biology and chemistry.

  • Hormones. Hormone changes can contribute to depression.

  • Stressful childhood events such as trauma, the death of a loved one, bullying, and abuse


What are the symptoms of depression in teens?

If you have depression, you have one or more of these symptoms most of the time:

  • Sadness

  • Feeling of emptiness

  • Hopelessness

  • Being angry, irritable, or frustrated, even at minor things

You also may also have other symptoms, such as:

  • No longer caring about things you used to enjoy

  • Changes in weight - losing weight when you are not dieting or gaining weight from eating too much

  • Changes in sleep - having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping much more than usual

  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still

  • Feeling very tired or not having energy

  • Feeling worthless or very guilty

  • Having trouble concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions

  • Thinking about dying or suicide


How is depression in teens diagnosed?

If you think you might be depressed, tell someone that you trust, such as your:

  • Parents or guardian

  • Teacher or counselor

  • Doctor

The next step is to see your doctor for a checkup. Your doctor can first make sure that you do not have another health problem that is causing your depression. To do this, you may have a physical exam and lab tests.

If you don't have another health problem, you will get a psychological evaluation. Your doctor may do it, or you may be referred to a mental health professional to get one. You may be asked about things such as:

  • Your thoughts and feelings

  • How you are doing at school

  • Any changes in your eating, sleeping, or energy level

  • Whether you are suicidal

  • Whether you use alcohol or drugs


When to get emergency help

Suicide is often associated with depression. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

  • Call your mental health professional.

  • Call a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use its web chat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

  • Seek help from your primary care doctor or other health care provider.

  • Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

  • Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If a loved one or friend is in danger of attempting suicide or has made an attempt:

  • Make sure someone stays with that person.

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

  • Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Never ignore comments or concerns about suicide. Always take action to get help.


Source: medlineplus.gov/teendepression.html

www.mayoclinic.org/

https://medlineplus.gov/mooddisorders.html


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