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Depression in Teens - Frequently Asked Questions
Arthur Buchanan
The effects of depression can seriously affect every aspect of
the teenage years. Feelings of happiness, contentment,
enthusiasm, and pleasure are diminished. Socializing becomes a
bore or extremely uncomfortable, making it difficult for them to
enjoy the normal activities associated with adolescence. Work,
school, and other activities that require concentration become
extremely difficult.
Even love, an emotion of pleasure, becomes difficult to feel
when symptoms of depression are being experienced. In the
extreme, it can lead to poor school performance, truancy,
running away, substance abuse, and even suicide, all of which
will have a lasting affect on your teen's life well into
adulthood.
Many teenagers with depression describe a feeling of separation
from themselves. They view their life from the outside, like
watching a movie. This isolation impacts relationships with
friends and loved ones. Until the symptoms of depression are
treated, depression negatively alters life and makes it
extremely difficult for those suffering from it.
Depression in Teens - Frequently Asked Questions What are the
symptoms of depression? Some symptoms of depression include:
* Feelings of hopelessness, negativity, and pessimism
* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that
were once enjoyed
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" * Sleep
disturbances such as insomnia, early-morning awakening, or
oversleeping
* Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts * Restlessness,
irritability
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment,
such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
What causes depression?
Due to the complexity of depression, an exact cause has yet to
be determined. Researchers have narrowed down possibilities to
conclude that genetic factors, particular personality types,
physical factors, chemical imbalance and environmental stresses
may be responsible for depression in teens.
Is depression caused by something bad happening to you?
Depression is not necessarily caused when something bad
happens. Often, teens feel depressed for no apparent reason.
This can cause feelings of guilt to occur as in, "Everything is
good in my life, so why can't I be happy?" Conversely, other
people who have experienced many traumatic events in their lives
may never develop depression. As far as researchers can tell,
depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
How can depression affect my life?
The effects of depression can impact every aspect of a
teenagers life. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enthusiasm,
and pleasure are diminished. Activities once enjoyed are no
longer of interest, and many people with symptoms of depression
experience fatigue and listlessness. Work, school, and other
activities that require concentration become extremely
difficult. Even love, an emotion of pleasure, becomes difficult
to feel when symptoms of depression are being experienced.
Many teens with depression describe a feeling of separation
from themselves. They view their life from the outside, like
watching a movie. This isolation impacts relationships with
friends and loved ones. Until the symptoms of depression are
treated, depression negatively alters life and makes it
extremely difficult for those suffering from it. In extreme
cases, depression can even lead to suicide. If you or someone
you know has expressed any desire to harm themselves, please
seek help immediately.
Can depression be treated?
Yes! It is extremely important to understand that depression is
a common emotional disturbance that can be treated. Depression
is not a normal part of life, and the symptoms should not be
ignored--they should be treated.
About the author:
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show!
http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN
TODAY!
With Much Love, Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO Out of Darkness & Into the Light 43 Oakwood Ave.
Suite 1012 Huron Ohio, 44839 www.out-of-darkness.com
567-219-0994 (cell)
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