Depression What is depression?

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 lives every year. Depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs) in 2000. By the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of DALYs calcuated for all ages, both sexes. Today, depression is already the 2nd cause of DALYs in the age category 15-44 years for both sexes combined. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Facts Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide. Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care. Fewer than 25 % of those affected have access to effective treatments. Depression can be reliably diagnosed in primary care. Antidepressant medications and brief, structured forms of psychotherapy are effective for 60-80 % of those affected and can be delivered in primary care. However, fewer than 25 % of those affected (in some countries fewer than 10 %) receive such treatments. Barriers to effective care include the lack of resources, lack of trained providers, and the social stigma associated with mental disorders including depression. Primary care based quality improvement programs for depression have been shown to improve the quality of care, satisfaction with care health outcomes, functioning, economic productivity, and household wealth at a reasonable cost

TEEN DEPRESSION

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff Teen depression is a serious condition that affects emotions, thought and behaviors. Although teen depression isn't medically different from depression in adults, teenagers often have unique challenges and symptoms. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But, for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings they're a sign of depression. Also called major depression and major depressive disorder, teen depression isn't a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. Like depression in adults, teen depression is a medical condition that can have serious consequences. However, for most teens, teen depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counseling.

What Is Teen Depression?

By an eHow Contributor Teen depression isn't something that should just be ignored. Parents and teachers need to be aware of students' behavior and report any symptoms out of the ordinary. With the proper care, teenagers can overcome depression and live active lives. Related Searches:

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What

Teen depression should not be confused with the common teenage temper tantrum, bad mood, or rebellious act. Depression affects teenagers on a level that can destroy their social, academic, and family lives. Untreated cases of depression can lead to self infliction of pain or even suicide.

Teenage depression isnt just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teens life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathingeven irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help. You can start by learning the symptoms of depression and expressing concern when you spot warning signs. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track.

Understanding teen depression

There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenagers personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger. Whether the incidence of teen depression is actually increasing, or were just becoming more aware of it, the fact remains that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most people think. And although depression is highly treatable, experts say only 1 in 5 depressed teens receive help.Unlike adults, who have the ability to seek assistance on their own, teenagers usually must rely on parents, teachers, or other caregivers to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So if you have an adolescent in your life, its important to learn what teen depression looks like and what to do if you spot the warning signs.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this drama, it isnt always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent.

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens

Sadness or hopelessness Irritability, anger, or hostility Tearfulness or frequent crying Withdrawal from friends and family

Restlessness and agitation Feelings of worthlessness and guilt Lack of enthusiasm and motivation

Loss of interest in activities Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Fatigue or lack of energy Difficulty concentrating Thoughts of death or suicide

If youre unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just being a teenager, consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some growing pains are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

Effects of teen depression

The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens act out or act in in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:

Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student. Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help. Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse. Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness. Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape from their problems. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed. Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex. Violence. Some depressed teens (usually boys who are the victims of bullying) become violent. As in the case of the Columbine school massacre, self-hatred and a wish to die can erupt into violence and homicidal rage.

Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury.

Cause of Teenage Depression

By Yvette Sajem, eHow Contributor

Print this article

Cause of Teenage Depression

Depression in teenagers presents itself quite differently than depression in adults, and often goes undiagnosed, shrugged off as normal teenage angst. However, teenage depression is quite serious, as depressed teens will often act out violently, abuse drugs or alcohol, become sexually promiscuous or even attempt suicide. The exact cause of teenage depression is not known. Scientists believe, in fact, that the onset of teenage depression is brought about by a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.
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Genetics

Teenagers who have a family history of depression are at a higher risk for developing the illness. However, genetics is not the only determining factor; even without a family history, your teen could still become depressed.

Substance Abuse

Drugs and alcohol--known depressants--can alter brain chemicals that affect mood. The negative social and personal influences and results associated with substance abuse can also cause depression. Sponsored Links

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Family Environment
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A dysfunctional family environment can cause depression. Teens who live with extreme stress, violence, poverty, illness or with an alcoholic or addicted parent in the home are more likely to become depressed.

Life Events

Sometimes a single life event can cause a reaction beyond normal grief or anxiety. Death of a loved one, changing schools, moving, or parents divorcing or remarrying could trigger depression in teenagers.

Medical Condition
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If your teen has a physical disability, a serious physical illness or a learning disability, this could lead to feelings of low self-esteem or anxiety, triggering depression. Medical conditions that affect hormone balance, such as hypothyroidism, can also affect mood.

Mental Disorder

Approximately two-thirds of teenagers with depression have already been diagnosed with another mental disorder such as anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, antisocial disorder or dysthymia.
Read more: Cause of Teenage Depression | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_4912100_cause-teenagedepression.html#ixzz1juaSNhOY

CAUSES contd..

Similar to adults, teenagers can also get into depression. There several causes and factors of teenage depression but like adult depression scientists have yet to discover a specific cause of teenage depression. The response to many situations and stresses in adolescence can be depression. During the maturation process depressed mood, the stresses of adolescence, the influence of sexual hormones and independence conflicts with parents are common factors, which can lead to depression. Due to tremendous stress, teenagers are at a very high risk of developing depression. Below are some of the stresses and causes, which can lead to teenage depression. The media today is having a negative impact on the teens. Media guide the teens about the perfect personalities, styles and living standards of life. All this information is being soaked up by the teens and they take it seriously. Adolescence girls are more likely to experience depression due to any problem in their face, skin or beauty than boys do. Not being satisfied with themselves, being overweight, not being good, glamorous or stylish enough are some causes of depression. Students who are not academically good think that they cannot be successful in their studies and cannot make their parents happy. This thinking results in the lack of confidence and low self esteem issues. A teen may fall in depression if he does not think or feel special in being smart, beautiful, funny, creative, and athletic or simply being good enough. Personal loss is another factor in teenage depression. Teens that have lost some one dear to them be it a friend, loved one or a family member or relative can find it difficult to handle these stressful incidents. And there are breakups between girlfriends and boyfriends which can lead to teen depression as they find it difficult to sort out their hurt and confused feelings. Teens should be encouraged to keep themselves busy with creative and constructive work and with a little help from their family and friends, they can learn to cope with the stress of growing up.

Physical Factors There are certain physical factors that may increase the risk of developing teen depression. These physical factors can include:

Prenatal damage from exposure to alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco Low birth weight Fearlessness and stimulation-seeking behavior Learning problems Insensitivity to physical pain and punishment.

Stressful Life Events The relationship between stressful life events and the risk of developing depression is wellestablished. However, in children and adolescents, this relationship is complicated. This might reflect the impact of individual differences and developmental changes. For example, there is a relationship between stressful life events, such as parental death or divorce, and the onset of major depression in young children. This relationship is especially strong if the stressful life events occur in early childhood and lead to a permanent and negative change in the child's circumstances. Yet findings are mixed as to whether the same relationship is true for depression in mid-childhood or in adolescence. Some other stressful life events that may increase the risk of teen depression include:

Severe parental fighting Overcrowding in the home Physical or psychological abuse Neglect Poverty.

Certain Medical Conditions Roughly two-thirds of children and adolescents with major depression (also known as clinical depression or just depression) also have another mental disorder. The most commonly associated conditions are:

Dysthymia, which is a less severe but more long-term type of depression Anxiety disorder Disruptive or antisocial disorder Substance abuse disorder.

When more than one diagnosis is present, depression is more likely to begin after the other condition is diagnosed, except in cases in which that other condition is substance abuse. This suggests that, in some cases, depression may arise in response to the other condition. In other situations, the two conditions may arise independently in response to inadequate maternal supervision and control, which is the case when conduct disorder and depression occur together. This suggests that parental behavior could potentially be a risk factor for both conditions. Gender Teenage girls are more likely to suffer from depression than are teenage boys. One reason for this may be that teenage girls are more socially oriented, more dependent on positive social relationships, and more vulnerable to losses of social relationships than are boys. This would increase their vulnerability to the interpersonal stresses that are common in teenagers. There is also evidence that the methods girls use to cope with stress may entail less denial and more focused and repetitive thinking about the event. The higher occurrence of depression in teenage girls, therefore, could be a result of greater vulnerability, combined with coping mechanisms that are different than those of boys.

Teen Depression Causes and Risk Factors

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Teen depression statistics published by the American Psychological Association suggest that approximately one fifth of teenagers will experience at least one major depressive episode before their high school graduation.

Causes and Risks of Teen Depression

Its impossible to isolate one single factor as the cause of depression. The causes and risks of teen depression are numerous, and the risk of depression increases with each new risk factor. Some of the most common teen depression causes and risks factors are outlined below.

Abuse and Teen Depression

Abuse has the effect of producing feelings of guilt and worthlessness in the victim. Children or adolescents who have been the victim of verbal, physical or sexual abuse are at an increased risk of depression.

Being Bullied at School

A teen who is being bullied will likely experience fear and anxiety over when and where the next confrontation will take place. Victims of bullying may also develop a strong sense of worthlessness. A study published by the University of Florida in 2008 shows that victims of bullying are at a greater risk of depression even into their early adult years.

Conflict at Home
Conflict at home can be a great source of stress in the life of a teen. This is especially true if he finds school a stressful place as well. He may feel like he has nowhere to go to escape the pressures of life.

Effect of Hormones
Hormones are another risk factor for teen depression, particularly for teenage girls. Postpubescent teenage girls are the highest risk group for teen depression. Some girls may also experience depression when taking the birth control pill due to the pills effect on their hormones.

Genetic Factors
Having a family history of depression puts a teen at a greater risk of depression, but usually only when there are a number of other causes and risks of teen depression present as well.

Insomnia and Fatigue

A teen that is exhausted from lack of sleep will be depressed, listless and less able to cope with the stresses of life.

Isolation
School can be a very lonely place for many teens. Often, teens will feel as if they dont fit in. In some cases a particular person or social group may purposely ostracize them. In other cases, they may lack positive, supportive relationships.

Low Self-esteem
Low self-esteem is both a cause and an effect of teen depression.

Nutrient Deficiencies
Teenagers often make unhealthy food choices and dont get the nutrients their bodies need. Poor eating habits place a teen at a greater risk of depression.

Presence of Underlying Disorders

Teens with anxiety disorders, behavioral problems and/or learning disabilities are at a greater risk for depression.

Stressful Life Events

In many cases, the occurrence of a stressful life event is the final risk factor that sends a teen spiraling into depression. Many other teen depression causes can fester below the surface until a stressful life event brings everything crashing down.

Substance Abuse
Alcohol and illicit drugs have been linked to an increased risk of depression.

Signs and symptoms of teen depression

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence. With all this drama, it isnt always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Making things even more complicated, teens with depression do not necessarily appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. For some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression, and rage are more prominent.

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens

Sadness or hopelessness Irritability, anger, or hostility Tearfulness or frequent crying Withdrawal from friends and family Loss of interest in activities Changes in eating and sleeping habits

Restlessness and agitation Feelings of worthlessness and guilt Lack of enthusiasm and motivation Fatigue or lack of energy Difficulty concentrating

Thoughts of death or suicide

If youre unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just being a teenager, consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self. While some growing pains are to be expected as teenagers grapple with the challenges of growing up, dramatic, long-lasting changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem.

Symptoms of Teen Depression

Teen depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by abnormally low moods that persist for two or more weeks. Depression prevents individuals from functioning normally in their dayto-day activities. Although a depressive episode may last only a few weeks, it often lasts much longer.

Teen Depression Symptoms

Teen depression symptoms are commonly mistaken for sullenness, rebellion or a bad attitude. As a result, teen depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. In such cases, teen depression can worsen becoming much more severe. Symptoms of depression in adults are similar in many ways to symptoms of teen depression. However, some signs of depression are much more prevalent in teens. Knowing the signs of teen depression can help you as a parent, teacher or loved one, detect it in someone you care about. Some of the most common teen depression symptoms include:

Aggression Anger or hostility Anxiety Apathy and lack of energy Being bullied Changes in appetite and/or weight fluctuations Changes in sleeping patterns (i.e. oversleeping or insomnia) Complaining about failure to meet goals and/or your ideals Cutting or other forms of self-injury (although you may not see any wounds, wearing long sleeves on a hot day may indicate self-injury) Fatigue Feelings of guilt, self-blame, and worthlessness Feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness Frequent crying spells Increased sensitivity to criticism Indecisiveness Inexplicable pain (headaches or back pain)

Irritability Lack of concentration Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable Low self-esteem Memory problems Poor academic performance Restlessness or agitation Sluggish actions or speech Talking about death and suicide (expressing the wish to be dead) The presence of other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or behavioral disorders Use of alcohol and drugs Violent or risky behavior Withdrawal from family and friends.

Effects of teen depression

The negative effects of teenage depression go far beyond a melancholy mood. Many rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. The following are some the ways in which teens act out or act in in an attempt to cope with their emotional pain:

Problems at school. Depression can cause low energy and concentration difficulties. At school, this may lead to poor attendance, a drop in grades, or frustration with schoolwork in a formerly good student. Running away. Many depressed teens run away from home or talk about running away. Such attempts are usually a cry for help. Drug and alcohol abuse. Teens may use alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their depression. Unfortunately, substance abuse only makes things worse. Low self-esteem. Depression can trigger and intensify feelings of ugliness, shame, failure, and unworthiness. Internet addiction. Teens may go online to escape from their problems. But excessive computer use only increases their isolation and makes them more depressed. Reckless behavior. Depressed teens may engage in dangerous or high-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, out-of-control drinking, and unsafe sex. Violence. Some depressed teens (usually boys who are the victims of bullying) become violent. As in the case of the Columbine school massacre, self-hatred and a wish to die can erupt into violence and homicidal rage.

Teen depression is also associated with a number of other mental health problems, including eating disorders and self-injury.

EFFECTS OF TEEN DEPRESSION:

It is crucial that teen depression be treated early to prevent serious and perhaps permanent problems. Left untreated, depression can lead to these 10 outcomes. 1. Low self esteem, triggered by feelings of worthlessness, failure, and inferiority. 2. Eating disorders including bulimia, anorexia and binge eating. 3. Problems at school resulting from low energy and difficulty concentrating. Watch for low grades, poor attendance, and lack of patience to complete schoolwork. 4. Running away is one cry for help by teens who are depressed. 5. Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs) 6. Self injury including various kinds of self-mutilation such as burning, cutting, hair pulling are sure signs of depression. 7. Other addictions including computer games and Internet surfing as an escape mechanism. 8. Violence becomes predominant in some depressed teens, which is based in selfhatred and hatred of others that can lead to homicide. 9 Dangerous or reckless behavior covers such things as binge drinking, unsafe sex, reckless driving and other careless behaviors. 10. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are exceptional cries for help. Depressed teens who think of suicide will make death-related comments and talk of killing themselves. It is imperative to get immediate help for any teen or talks of suicide or death wishes.

The effects of teenage depression are real and can be detrimental. These effects can cause lasting physical and emotional problems, notes the Mayo Clinic. It is important to take depression in teens seriously and do what you can to prevent or stop the negative consequences from happening or getting worse.

School Problems
Depression in teens can affect their ability to concentrate and maintain their energy levels, HelpGuide.org reports. This may hurt their school attendance, decrease their academic performance and increase clashes with other students and school staff.
Free Healing Articles Anxiety,Depression,Stress,Psychosis Relationships, Phobias, OCD relatedness.org Sponsored Links

Substance Abuse
Teens with depression may abuse drugs and alcohol as a way to reduce their symptoms. HelpGuide.org notes that substance abuse will only worsen the symptoms of depression and the negative effects.

Eating Disorders
Teens with eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and various forms of dieting behaviors, may be struggling with depression, reports HelpGuide.org. Eating disorders give depressed teens some form of control in their life. They cannot control how they feel when they are depressed, but they can have power over their food intake.

Low Self-Esteem
One of the symptoms of depression is feelings of worthlessness. This feeling will cause a teen's self-esteem to decrease. They will feel worse about things such as their looks, their abilities and their worthiness. Also, if depression induces teens to eat more they may gain weight, which can also hurt their self-esteem.

Internet Addiction
Some depressed teens may isolate themselves and begin spending all their time online. They may use the Internet as a way to escape their problems, notes HelpGuide.org.

Running Away
Some teens with depression will either run away from home or talk about running away. HelpGuide.org notes that teens who are doing this are trying to send a signal that they need help.

Reckless Behaviors
A teenager who has depression may engage in careless and reckless behaviors that could be life threatening. Such behaviors could include drinking while driving, driving at very high speeds, mixing drugs and alcohol, engaging in high-risk sexual acts and hanging out with people who are dangerous.

Violence
Depression can fuel violence in some teens. According to HelpGuide.org, self-hatred and a wish to die can erupt into violent and homicidal rage.

Self-Harm
Teens who are depressed may engage in self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting, burning or other kinds of self-mutilation. This is done to redirect the pain of depression and to allow the teen to feel control over something in his life.

Suicide
According to KidsHealth.org, teens can experience depression that is so severe that they may think about or attempt suicide. A teen thinking about suicide is considered an emergency situation. The teen should be taken to the emergency room and the teen's therapist should be called.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/161448-effects-of-teenagedepression/#ixzz1judDSaiW

TREATMENT FOR TEEN DEPRESSION:

Getting treatment for teen depression

Depression is very damaging when left untreated, so dont wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. If you see depressions warning signs, seek professional help. Make an immediate appointment for your teen to see the family physician for a depression screening. Be prepared to give your doctor specific information about your teens depression symptoms, including how long theyve been present, how much theyre affecting your childs daily life, and any patterns youve noticed. The doctor should also be told about any close relatives who have ever been diagnosed with depression or another mental health disorder. As part of the depression screening, the doctor will give your teenager a complete physical exam and take blood samples to check for medical causes of your childs symptoms.

Seek out a depression specialist

If there are no health problems that are causing your teenagers depression, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in children and adolescents. Depression in teens can be tricky, particularly when it comes to treatment options such as medication. A mental health professional with advanced training and a strong background treating adolescents is the best bet for your teenagers best care. When choosing a specialist, always get your childs input. Teenagers are dependent on you for making many of their health decisions, so listen to what theyre telling you. No one therapist is a miracle worker and no one treatment works for everyone. If your child feels uncomfortable or is just not connecting with the psychologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral to another provider that may be better suited to your teenager.

Dont rely on medication alone

Expect a discussion with the specialist youve chosen about treatment possibilities for your son or daughter. There are a number of treatment options for depression in teenagers, including oneon-one talk therapy, group or family therapy, and medication. Talk therapy is often a good initial treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. Over the course of therapy, your teens depression may resolve. If it doesnt, medication may be warranted. However, antidepressants should only be used as part of a broader treatment plan. Unfortunately, some parents feel pushed into choosing antidepressant medication over other treatments that may be cost-prohibitive or time-intensive. However, unless your child is considered to be high risk for suicide (in which case medication and/or constant observation may be necessary), you have time to carefully weigh your options before committing to any one treatment.

Supporting a teen through depression treatment

As the depressed teenager in your life goes through treatment, the most important thing you can do is to let him or her know that youre there to listen and offer support. Now more than ever, your teenager needs to know that he or she is valued, accepted, and cared for.

Be understanding. Living with a depressed teenager can be difficult and draining. At times, you may experience exhaustion, rejection, despair, aggravation, or any other number of negative emotions. During this trying time, its important to remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. Your teen is suffering, so do your best to be patient and understanding. Encourage physical activity. Encourage your teenager to stay active. Exercise can go a long way toward relieving the symptoms of depression, so find ways to incorporate it into your teenagers day. Something as simple as walking the dog or going on a bike ride can be beneficial. Encourage social activity. Isolation only makes depression worse, so encourage your teenager to see friends and praise efforts to socialize. Offer to take your teen out with friends or suggest social activities that might be of interest, such as sports, after-school clubs, or an art class. Stay involved in treatment. Make sure your teenager is following all treatment instructions and going to therapy. Its especially important that your child takes any prescribed medication as instructed. Track changes in your teens condition, and call the doctor if depression symptoms seem to be getting worse. Learn about depression. Just like you would if your child had a disease you knew very little about, read up on depression so that you can be your own expert. The more you know, the better equipped youll be to help your depressed teen. Encourage your teenager to learn more about depression as well. Reading up on their condition can help depressed teens realize that theyre not alone and give them a better understanding of what theyre going through.

The road to your depressed teenagers recovery may be bumpy, so be patient. Rejoice in small victories and prepare for the occasional setback. Most importantly, dont judge yourself or compare your family to others. As long as youre doing your best to get your teen the necessary help, youre doing your job.

Tips for Talking to a Depressed Teen Offer support Let depressed teenagers know that youre there for them, fully and unconditionally. Hold back from asking a lot of questions (teenagers dont like to feel patronized or crowded), but make it clear that youre ready and willing to provide whatever support they need. Be gentle but persistent Dont give up if your adolescent shuts you out at first. Talking about depression can be very tough for teens. Be respectful of your childs comfort level while still emphasizing your concern and willingness to listen. Listen without lecturing Resist any urge to criticize or pass judgment once your teenager begins to talk. The important thing is that your child is communicating. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or ultimatums as well. Validate feelings Dont try to talk teens out of their depression, even if their feelings or concerns appear silly or irrational to you. Simply acknowledge the pain and sadness they are feeling. If you dont, they will feel like you dont take their emotions seriously.

Preventing Teen Depression

As a parent or teacher of a teen with depression, you play a vital role in depression prevention. Outlined below are some practical ways you can do this.

Encourage healthy eating habits. Too often, a teen who is given too much freedom in food selection chooses to eat junk food. This can result in nutritional deficiencies that can, in turn, become a risk factor for depression. Encourage your child to participate in sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities in order to build a strong support group of friends. Encourage your teenager to get active. Exercise can enhance your teens physical and mental well-being. Make sure your children know how much you care about them. Praise your teens strengths and be sensitive when addressing weaknesses. Self-esteem can be very fragile, particularly during the teenage years. Talk with your teen. Listen attentively. Let your child know that you are there and to listen when something is wrong. Dont be discouraged if it takes some time before your child begins to confide in you. Try to enforce an early bedtime. A study published in the Sleep journal in January 2010 found that adolescents with earlier bedtimes set by their parents were significantly less likely to experience teen depression.

Talk to your teen about a depression prevention program involving counseling sessions with a psychotherapist, a school psychologist or a school counselor.

Helping Depressed Teens: What You Can Do

Its hard for parents to watch their children suffer. If you suspect your son or daughter may be depressed, seek medical attention for your child right away. Often, depression only worsens if left untreated. Medical treatment, however, is only part of the solution. There are a number of things you can do as a parent or caregiver to offer help for depression to a suffering teen.

Helping Depressed Teens by Learning about Depression

Unless youve experienced teenage depression, it can be very difficult to understand what its like. Depression is a mental illness thats characterized by abnormally low moods that last for two or more weeks and prevent an individual from functioning normally. A depressed teen cant help the way she feels, and she cant just snap out of it. Youll be in a much better position to offer help for depression if you learn about depression and do your best to understand what your teen is going through. Teen depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide, so its also important to learn about suicide and suicide warning signs. If you feel your teen is at risk of committing suicide you can:

Call for emergency medical help Encourage him to talk to a school counselor or suicide crisis hotline counselor Ensure hes not left alone Hide firearms, medications and any other dangerous items Talk to him about how hes feeling.

Teen Depression Help: Offering Encouragement

Worthlessness and low self-esteem are both causes and effects of depression in teens. Your teen will need all the encouragement you can offer her. You can show your support by:

Abstaining from making trivializing comments about her depression Building her up in her abilities and accomplishments Encouraging her to get the medical help she needs Ensuring that she knows that you are willing to listen whenever she feels like opening up to you Making sure she knows that you want to understand how she feels Spending time with her.

Helping Depressed Teens by Helping Them Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Depression is not merely a biological illness. There are many lifestyle factors that can cause or worsen the symptoms of depression. Healthy lifestyle choices, on the other hand, help to alleviate depression symptoms. Some of these include:

A healthy diet An early bedtime to ensure enough sleep Avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs and caffeine Cultivating supportive friendships Engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies Exercise Participating in social activities.

As a parent or caregiver, you may feel you dont have enough influence over your teen to enforce these lifestyle choices. You may, however, be able to reason with your teen by explaining that these lifestyle choices are just as important as drug therapy, or any other type of therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Suicide warning signs in teenagers

Teenagers and Suicide
If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. To learn more about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and what to do in a crisis, read Suicide Prevention: Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person. Teens who are seriously depressed often think, speak, or make "attention-getting" attempts at suicide. An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide, so suicidal thoughts or behaviors should always be taken very seriously. For the overwhelming majority of suicidal teens, depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role. In depressed teens who also abuse alcohol or drugs, the risk of suicide is even greater. Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Suicide warning signs in depressed teens

Talking or joking about committing suicide. Saying things like, Id be better off dead, I wish I could disappear forever, or Theres no way out. Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (If I died, people might love me more). Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide. Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury. Giving away prized possessions. Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good. Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.

Encouraging a depressed teen to open up

Learn to identify and express your feelings
See 3-min video: Roadblocks to awareness If you suspect that a teenager in your life is suffering from depression, speak up right away. Even if youre unsure that depression is the issue, the troublesome behaviors and emotions youre

seeing in your teenager are signs of a problem. Whether or not that problem turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressedthe sooner the better. In a loving and non-judgmental way, share your concerns with your teenager. Let him or her know what specific signs of depression youve noticed and why they worry you. Then encourage your child to share what he or she is going through. Your teen may be reluctant to open up. He or she may be ashamed, afraid of being misunderstood. Alternatively, depressed teens may simply have a hard time expressing what theyre feeling. If your teen claims nothing is wrong, but has no explanation for what is causing the depressed behavior, you should trust your instincts. Remember that denial is a strong emotion. Furthermore, teenagers may not believe that what theyre experiencing is the result of depression.

WHY TEEN SUICIDE COMMON THESE DAYS?

What Is It? Of all the complications of untreated depression, suicide is the most tragic. It has often been called "a permanent solution to a temporary problem". In the midst of depression it can begin to look like the only option left. Why Do People Do It? Depressed people who take their own lives do so because they are enduring unbearable psychological pain and perceive that there are no more options available to them. Physical pain can also trigger suicidal feelings, but pain of psychological origin can be just as, if not more, intense.
Suicide is most prevalent among the young and the elderly. It is the leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. Among those young people who attempt suicide, eventually anywhere between 0.1 and 10% of these will complete the act.

About Teen Suicide

The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases tremendously during adolescence. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed only by accidents and homicide. The risk of suicide increases dramatically when kids and teens have access to firearms at home, and nearly 60% of all suicides in the United States are committed with a gun. That's why any gun in your home should be unloaded, locked, and kept out of the reach of children and teens. Ammunition should be stored and locked apart from the gun, and the keys for both should be kept in a different area from where you store your household keys. Always keep the keys to any firearms out of the reach of children and adolescents. Suicide rates differ between boys and girls. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves. Yet boys die by suicide about four times as often girls, perhaps because they tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights.

Treatments The person who is depressed enough to be thinking of suicide needs immediate professional help. Do not feel afraid to bring up the topic with your teen. Ask questions about their plans. Those who are passively suicidal or have only vague ideas of wanting to die should still be taken very seriously and arrangements made for them to see a psychiatrist. If your teen seems in immediate danger of a suicide attempt, call 911 or your local emergency room and ask for assistance. Because medication and therapy take some time to become effective, it may be necessary for your child to be hospitalized for their own protection. During a crisis situation, do not leave them alone. Do not minimize their feelings. It is not important that the problem seems trivial or easily solved to you. What counts is how severe the problem seems to them. Do not treat your teen as if they are simply seeking attention. Suicidal behavior is an indication of deep psychological pain. They are asking for your help. Reassure your child that they are not a burden to you and they are not weak. Praise them for having the courage to ask for help. As alert as you may be for the signs of suicidality in your teen, it may be that they hide their feelings from you or feel afraid to approach you. The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is dedicated to helping bridge this communication gap. Giving your child one of their Yellow Ribbon Cards if a great way to open up a dialogue with them. It lets them know you are there for them if they need you and gives them a simple way to communicate with you when words are difficult to find.

Role of Society in depression

Society plays a major role in people who are depressed. For people who are already a patient of depression, society will help you in recovering faster with the right kind of support. This is because when the person is constantly encouraged by the people around and when there is lot of support the patient slowly loses his apprehensions and manages to lead a normal life. Apart from this there are many rehabilitation centers and therapies which are available in the market which help patients with chronic depressive symptoms. These facilities are right now spread all across the world which makes it easy for any society to get in touch with them. These centers encourage patients in preventing depression by physical activity and other sources. This also reduces the dependency on the chemicals for the relief of the symptoms. For people who are not yet victims of depression, there is enough awareness which is spread in the society which can help them to figure out when they are getting into depression and makes it easy for them to get treated faster. This also will avoid people getting into major depression and chronic depressive diseases.

Sociology of Depression - Effects of Culture

Rashmi Nemade, Ph.D., Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D., and Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. Updated: Sep 19th 2007 Sociologists study how people get along together in groups. They study culture, social institutions and they affect individuals. The sociology of depression encompasses the cultural context in which people live, as well as the social stressors that people encounter as a part of life. The sociological aspects of depression are both influenced by and also influence the other biological and psychological aspects of people's lives. The Effects of Culture Culture and ethnicity are important aspects of health and illness. A new branch of medicine, known as ethnomedicine, focuses on the role of culture, perception, and context in shaping someone's physical and mental health. Previously, it was thought that depression primarily plagued people in developed "Western" nations and that non-Euro-American cultures did not suffer from this disorder. However, ethnomedical studies suggest that this perception may have more to do cultural perceptions of what symptoms become labeled as a depressive disorder, how occurrences of depression are recorded for statistical purposes, and how depression is thought of within particular cultures. For example, in India, a wide range of distress disorders are categorized as depressive disorders, whereas in Japan, the very idea of mental illness is unacceptable and few people will admit to having it. Obviously, without knowing the full story, someone might conclude that Indian people have very high rates of depression, or conversely, that Japanese people rarely develop this disorder. Even within the United States, prevalence rates (the numbers of people experiencing depression) can be influenced by cultural context. For example, black women have lower rates of depression than white women. In addition, recent immigrants to the U.S. tend to have lower rates of depression than their descendants, who are presumably more "Western" in attitudes and behavior. Ethnomedical research suggests that cultural differences in focusing on oneself and one's place within the social hierarchy are linked to the prevalence of depression. Some of this difference comes from the individualistic vs. collectivistic orientation of a particular culture. In Western cultures, individuals are ideally viewed as independent, autonomous entities striving for individual achievement and success. In contrast, other cultures view the family or society as being of more importance than the individual. Many times, personal happiness is sacrificed for the stability of the group at large in such cultures. Very little thought is given to particular individuals within such cultures. For example, in traditional Asian cultures it is common for one member of the family to work hard and share a paycheck with the entire extended family. Some authors suggest that because people from collectivistic cultures are not encouraged to place much importance on personal gratification, they do not spend time feeling frustrated about their failure to achieve personal success. As a result, the lack of focus on the self can lead to a decrease or absence of the development of depressive disorders. Our norms about our specific responsibilities and obligations (to our selves, to others, and to the institutions we live with) are also shaped by our culture. For example, a person who comes from

a culture where family obligations are demanding and non-negotiable may feel restricted, powerless, and limited. On the other hand, a person from the same culture may view family obligations as a way to feel needed, useful and competent. As mentioned in our discussion about cognitive theories, feelings and thoughts concerning powerlessness and usefulness shape people's self-concept and mood.
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Some cultures have rigid gender roles that define expected behavior. Men's lives exist primarily outside the home, while women's roles are specifically in the home. In these cultures, women may not even leave their homes unless escorted by a male family member; conversely, men never enter the kitchen. If someone from this type of culture encounters a social stressor which forces a change in roles or a challenge to the status quo (i.e., the death of a spouse), such stress can cause this person to become depressed. For instance, if a husband (from a culture with rigid gender roles) loses a wife, he will not know how to care for his children's day to day needs such as feeding, bathing, etc. Similarly, if a wife loses her husband, she will not know how to provide financial support for her family (and additionally, may be prevented from even trying). Both individuals may start to think of themselves as worthless or useless if they cannot meet the needs of their children. Cultural identity often influences the degree to which a particular individual shows somatic (physical) symptoms of depression. In other words, some cultures are more comfortable reporting depressive symptoms that are physical in nature rather than mental. For example, many depressed Chinese people complain of bodily discomfort, feelings of inner pressure, and symptoms of pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Similarly, depressed Japanese individuals often complain of abdominal, headache, and neck pain symptoms. Even within Western countries where depressive disorders are more "acceptable", researchers have theorized that some chronic conditions (chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) may be more somatic (physical) forms of a mood disorder than actual physical problems. Some researchers have even suggested that fibromyalgia (a condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue) should be characterized as a "depression spectrum disorder". Some cultures may view depressive symptoms as normal emotional responses to particular life events. For example, some cultures may expect the grief and bereavement process to last longer than the culturally-expected time period (about one year) which is acceptable in the West. Individuals from such cultures might find it odd that a Western psychologist would think that 2 years spent mourning for a lost spouse was indicative of a mental health problem. Still other cultures may recognize that depressive symptoms are problematic, but attribute these symptoms to causes that don't make sense to observers or clinicians from other cultures. For instance, patients may reject explanations for symptoms that are commonly acceptable to treating clinicians in favor of explanations that are favored within the patient's culture. For instance, a patient from China seen in the United States might reject the idea that a biochemical imbalance is causing depressive symptoms in favor of an explanation in terms of energy flows or similar concepts drawn from traditional Chinese medicine. Such patients may respond best to mental health professionals who are able to use culturally-sensitive language to describe the cause of depressive symptoms and related suffering. Cultural differences in help-seeking behavior may influence the treatment of depression. For

example, non-Western individuals frequently use indigenous (from their own culture) practitioners for treatment of "illness" and Western-trained physicians for treating "disease". If emotional disturbances are not considered within the realm of disease, depressed individuals might not readily seek out psychiatric or mental health care for depressive symptoms. Because the public discourse regarding depression is more prevalent in Western societies, it is more socially acceptable to have depression, and more people are willing to seek help. In contrast, mental illness is often more stigmatized in other cultures. As a result, people and their families may deny mental illness out of shame of being identified as "crazy". Others may find the label "depression" morally unacceptable, shameful, and experientially meaningless. Treatment for depression may be actively resisted by someone who comes out of this sort of culture. Cultures also vary in the degree to which they rely on or incorporate complementary and alternative medicine practices such as herbs, meditation, yoga, or other approaches into their prescribed treatments for depression. Individuals from some traditional cultures may reject Western antidepressant medications while embracing prescriptions for herbs, acupuncture or exercise. A person's cultural background can also influence their biological makeup. People from different parts of the world have different patterns of genes and, often, different patterns of disease to which they are vulnerable. Such genetic differences can influence whether people succumb to depression when stressed (Click here to return to our discussion of the diathesis-stress model). Similarly, people's genetic background can influence their response to antidepressant medications.

The Link Between Depression and Suicide

The majority of suicide attempts and suicide deaths happen among teens with depression. Consider these statistics about teen suicide and teen depression: about 1% of all teens attempts suicide and about 1% of those suicide attempts results in death (that means about 1 in 10,000 teens dies from suicide). But for adolescents who have depressive illnesses, the rates of suicidal thinking and behavior are much higher. Most teens who have depression think about suicide, and between 15% and 30% of teens with serious depression who think about suicide go on to make a suicide attempt. Keep in mind that most of the time for most teens depression is a passing mood. The sadness, loneliness, grief, and disappointment we all feel at times are normal reactions to some of the struggles of life. With the right support, some resilience, an inner belief that there will be a brighter day, and decent coping skills, most teens can get through the depressed mood that happens occasionally when life throws them a curve ball. But sometimes depression doesn't lift after a few hours or a few days. Instead it lasts, and it can seem too heavy to bear. When someone has a depressed or sad mood that is intense and lingers almost all day, almost every day for 2 weeks or more, it may be a sign that the person has developed major depression. Major depression, sometimes called clinical depression, is beyond a passing depressed mood - it is the term mental health professionals use for depression that has become an illness in need of treatment. Another form of serious depression is called bipolar disorder, which includes extreme low moods (major depression) as well as extreme high moods (these are called manic episodes). Though children can experience depression, too, teens are much more vulnerable to major depression and bipolar illness. Hormones and sleep cycles, which both change dramatically during adolescence, have an effect on mood and may partly explain why teens (especially girls) are particularly prone to depression. Believe it or not, as many as 20% of all teens have had depression that's this severe at some point. The good news is that depression is treatable - most teens get better with the right help. It's not hard to see why serious depression and suicide are connected. Serious depression (with both major depression and bipolar illness) involves a long-lasting sad mood that doesn't let up, and a loss of pleasure in things you once enjoyed. It also involves thoughts about death, negative thoughts about oneself, a sense of worthlessness, a sense of hopelessness that things could get better, low energy, and noticeable changes in appetite or

sleep. Depression also distorts a person's viewpoint, allowing them to focus only on their failures and disappointments and to exaggerate these negative things. Depressed thinking can convince someone there is nothing to live for. The loss of pleasure that is part of depression can seem like further evidence that there's nothing good about the present. The hopelessness can make it seem like there will be nothing good in the future; helplessness can make it seem like there's nothing you can do to change things for the better. And the low energy that is part of depression can make every problem (even small ones) seem like too much to handle. When major depression lifts because a person gets the proper therapy or treatment, this distorted thinking is cleared and they can find pleasure, energy, and hope again. But while someone is seriously depressed, suicidal thinking is a real concern. When teens are depressed, they often don't realize that the hopelessness they feel can be relieved and that hurt and despair can be healed.

TEEN DEPRESSION: just general :

Teen depression is not simply a "down" mood -- it is a serious health problem that affects the total person. Besides changes in feelings, teen depression effects can include changes in behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. Also, depressed teenagers are at a greater risk of committing suicide than are teenagers without depression. Fortunately, teen depression can be treated through medicines, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.