***The problem of Teenage Depression:

Robert Brault once said “In the
time it takes you to understand a
14-year-old, he turns 15.”
Adolescence is a very sensitive
phase of one’s life and brings a
lot of emotional baggage along
with it. Teenagers are more often
concerned about the physical
aspects of their being and tend
to ignore the mental health. The
rising case ofteen depression is
one such example which points
out our negligence towards
mental wellbeing.
CAUSES
There are multiple reasons why a
teenager might become
depressed. Depression initially
triggers off due to changes in
puberty, later aggravating due to
parental conflicts and peer
pressure. Teenagers are under
constant pressure to perform
well and score good grades in
their exams. Parents can create
stress by placing unrealistic
expectations for a teen to
achieve. Sometimes even due to
dysfunction at home and not-so-
proper communication between
the child and parents, a teen can
become depressed.
Outside home, a teen faces
pressure from his teachers and
peers. Relationship break-ups,
physical and sexual abuse are
other primary causes for
depression among teens. They
are pushed by their peers to try
out alcohol,smoking, drugs and
sexual activity.
SYMPTOMS
Depression triggers a swirl of
emotions within the teenagers
which is generally seen in the
form of an emotional or anger
outburst. The classic signs of
depression areanorexia and
insomnia. But in some teenagers,
it may also be characterized with
over-eating or excessive
sleeping. Most of them even
engage in intentional self-injury
due to feelings of guilt,
worthlessness or failure in
achieving the standards set for
them. Among students, it is very
much evident from low energy
and concentration levels
resulting in poor attendance and
drastic fall in grades. They
withdraw themselves from family
and friends and lose interest in
activities. In recent times, the
teenagers have resorted to
excessive use of computers and
internet. They also indulge in
violence and reckless driving. Due
to loss of self esteem and
confidence, they abstain from
initiating talks or participating in
group activities.
HELPING A DEPRESSED TEENAGER
It is time to pull up our socks and
ensure that this growing
concern is tackled. It is important
to create awareness among
people about the various hosts
of pressures teenagers face in
their daily life and help them
overcome it.
The famous American humorist
Arnold.H.Glasgow once said,
“Telling a teenager the facts of
life is like giving a fish a bath.”
Parents, teachers, friends should
offer genuine support by trying
to understand their problems.
They should hear their child and
not merely listen to their words.
However, setting deadlines and
giving unnecessary advices
should be avoided. Parents
should stop pressurizing their
adolescent kids over career and
let them be what they want to.
They should be encouraged to
participate in social activities,
mingle with fellow mates and
other peers. Socializing with
various people will help them
discover what they truly are,
what they want and where they
fit in. Help can also be offered by
encouraging them to participate
in physical activities and pursue
their hobby with passion and
dedication. Meditation and Yoga
are other means of combating
teen depression and developing
a positive attitude towards life.
Parents must also ensure that
their teen kid eats right and
exercises regularly.
Thus, a combination of family
and friends therapy can help a
teen to cope up with depression.
However, in extreme cases,
where teens think of committing
suicide or have even attempted
one, a psychologist must be
consulted. The necessary
medication must be advised and
parents must exercise utmost
caution.
Help them understand that
adolescence is a beautiful
experience and not a nightmare!
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