Anxiety and Depression in Teens

Anxiety and depression have been deemed as “phases” or “fake” by some people, but many teens suffer from these disorders and the number grows every year with minimal action taken. Anxiety is described as extreme fear, nervousness, or worry. Depression, which can be closely related to anxiety, is characterized as a lasting loss of energy and motivation along with irritable moods. According to the Mental Health America (MHA) organization, an average of 10.6%, or 2.5 million children from ages 12-17 were suffering from severe depression in 2022. Similarly, 31.4% of children between the ages 13 and 14, suffer from any severity of anxiety disorders according to the Nation Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Despite the large number of teens suffering from depression and anxiety, not many understand the disorders and their effects on youths and their lives. 

Anxiety is a normal part of life, but it may become overwhelming for teens and turn into an immediate concern. It triggers the stress response in the body or the fight-or-flight response. Teens may develop anxiety through stressful or traumatic events, or previous mental health issues. However, if they experience prolonged or extreme symptoms of anxiety, even if there is seemingly no reason, this may be a sign that they have developed an anxiety disorder. According to the NIMH, 31.1% of adults suffer from any anxiety disorder, whereas 31.9% of youth under the age of 18 suffer from anxiety disorders. A disorder of this type may lead to avoidance, isolation, or physical discomfort. The symptoms can directly influence the individual’s life and activities. Youths with any anxiety disorder may not want to leave their house or go to school due to the unprecedented fear of something going wrong. Chronic anxiety could also hinder their ability to create and maintain relationships with family or friends. Along with the possibly dire symptoms, anxiety may cause adolescents to develop depression or worsen already existing depression.

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders. Depression causes a person to have a decline in previous enjoyment and develop continuous negative moods. Some symptoms are irritability, loss of energy, possible thoughts of suicide, chronic pain, and changes in sleep schedules (MHA National). Major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered the most common type of depression. According to Mayo Clinic, MDD may be caused by situational depression, which is depression developed through stressful or traumatic events. Youth are highly susceptible to situational depression, and further MDD, because of high levels of stress from school or their home life. If an adolescent suffering from MDD has a lack of social support, their depression may worsen. In order to recognize depression in teens, look for a lower performance in school than usual, unprecedented anger, low concentration, substance abuse, etc. Any warning signs or supposed symptoms should be taken seriously and reported to a trusted adult if concern arises. Depression is a grave disorder that is quickly rising in cases, but there are resources and courses of action that can be taken if you or a friend are suffering from depression or anxiety.

Despite feelings of helplessness or fear, there are effective means of help. Medications such as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help lessen depression symptoms with few side effects. For more information on antidepressants visit Mayo Clinic. Therapy is a highly recommended resource for any assortment of mental health problems that a person may be concerned about. Psychotherapy is using psychology to help behavior and depression. Cognitive therapy focuses on a person’s thoughts instead of actions, which can help anxiety and possibly depression. For more information on different types of therapy visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), where a multitude of resources are available for everyone suffering from mental health issues. 

There are many resources readily available for anyone suffering from mental health, even if it doesn’t seem apparent. It is extremely important to look for telltale signs of depression or anxiety in yourself and those around you. Help is always available, whether it’s found in friends, family, therapy, or overtime, it is always there for anyone to utilize.

For more information on anxiety or depression go to MHA National or talk to a trusted professional.

Resources if you or a friend are struggling with depression or anxiety:

SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Massachusetts’ Network of Care

NAMI Helpline - 1-880-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741-741

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988