(c) Heal BYourself
What Is Depression
Depression is a mood disorder in which an adolescent feels sad and withdrawn. Prolonged and chronic disturbance requires attention and help.
Why Is Important To Understand Depression
This is a widely accepted fact that teenagers have to go through a tough time putting up with the academic load, hormonal changes and family expectations. A well adjusted teenager with the strength of parental support, peer acceptance and strong sense of self is able to adjust and wade through the teen years successfully.
Depression and Moodiness
It is not always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage moodiness. Unlike depression in adults, teens with depression do not appear sad, nor do they always withdraw from others. In some depressed teens, symptoms of irritability, aggression and rage are more prominent. Adolescents usually rely on their parents, teachers, or other caregivers or counsellors to recognize their suffering.
Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults. Adolescents with depressive disorders often display irritable mood and they are not aware of the extent of their irritability or its effects on others. Some times they may say that everything makes them angry. One may notice an active adolescent withdrawing from his favorite sports activities and friends. Parents often fail to understand the symptoms of depression in an adolescent. They face the challenging task of how to deal with an extremely irritable adolescent. Adolescents with depression need medical help on account of poor scholastic performance, substance abuse, suicidal attempt or change in behavior.
Understanding of Depression by Parents
Parents must understand the early signs of depression that is disturbing their child and the suggested treatment should be followed. Counsellors can help by talking with parents about their questions or concerns, reinforcing that depression in youth is not uncommon and reassuring them that appropriate treatment with psychotherapy, medication or the combination can lead to improved functioning of their child at school, with peers and at home with family.
