Managing Depression In Teens

Managing Depression In Teens

Do you find your teenager to be irritable, moody and a recluse with a sudden fall in academic grades? The dynamic nature of humans and the world around teenagers expose them to new challenges and opportunities. And along with this, comes the ability and capacity to perform and be functional

It may not be possible for every individual to have adequate coping skills, to imbibe, comprehend and execute newer ideas. Differences in people with respect to their environment, personalities and stimuli segregates them from each other, especially during demanding situations.

Teenagers or adolescents today, are at a much higher risk of developing depression and related disorders, due to the various physical and psychological issues they face during these few crucial years of their development.

Aspects That Precipitate Depression
Physical or bodily growth and changes, present a major task for adolescents to adjust. Puberty combined with self- image makes teenagers seek societal acceptance and when the same does not come through, adolescents resort to cocooning themselves. The unpreparedness and non-acceptance can lead to mood changes in teens. Also, teen depression can go beyond moodiness, academic demands, unhealthy peer competition and pressure, parental or societal demands.

Lifestyle changes, marital discord between parents and the loss of a parent are also known to have severe traumatic effects on growing teens. Furthermore, abuse of any nature, whether psychological, emotional, social, verbal or physical can have ( long-term devastating effects. Besides, digital addiction and involvement in social media at various levels is emerging as one of the major causes of anxiety and depression among teens.

Signs A Teenager May Exhibit

  • Restlessness
  • Self-blame
  • Agitation topped with sadness
  • Irritability
  • Anger and withdrawal
  • Poor academic performance
  • No enthusiasm
  • Feeling of worthlessness
  • Reduced eating and sleeping
  • Suicidal tendency and attempts (requires immediate attention)

Treatment Approach
A wholistic and moduled treatment procedure is needed to manage individuals undergoing such phases.

  • Be a keen listener and not dominant and authoritative.
  • Adopt a gentle and persistent approach, acknowledging the issue.
  • Advise teens to speak up and not bottle up emotions.
  • Involve teens in tace to tace interactions.
  • Go in for cognitive behaviour therapy combined with group and family therapy.
  • Make sure your teen is involved in school activities.
  • Discourage faulty dietary habits, inadequate sleep and lack of physical activity.
  • Help your teen cultivate a healthy routine and make sure there is a supportive home atmosphere.
  • Get them started with some fun aerobics, walking the dog, skipping, riding a bicycle, skateboarding or going for hikes.
  • Excessive television and computer time may only increase their isolation and limit social interaction. Hence, set some limits on the screen time.
  • Ensure your teen has sufficient amount of sleep, approximately about nine-ten hours per night ¡n order to function optimally.
  • Try providing healthy and nutritious foods such as healthy fats and high quality protein that support optimum brain health and mood swings.
  • Restrict the consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages from your teen’s daily routine as they do no good for the body and are linked to depression.

Leave a Comment