Adoloscents Depression

Definition and who is at risk and why?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and overall well-being.
In adolescents, it manifests as persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities,
changes in appetite and sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects approximately 10-20%
of adolescents worldwide. It is a serious public health issue that requires immediate attention.

There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For example, teens can
develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School performance, social
status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen
feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause,
when being with friends or family -- or doing things that the teen usually enjoys -- don't help to
improve their sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that they have teen depression.

The main symptoms

1) Irritability irritability in depressed adults is more common in younger age groups, and
that it is associated with an earlier age of onset. There is currently no evidence on these
questions in samples of young people, nor about whether pubertal stage and age at
menarche in girls. Findings from adults4 with depression suggest that irritability is
associated with increased fatigue and self-reproach and greater depression severity.
2) Loss of Interest in Activities The teens used a variety of words to describe the presence
of joy and positive emotion. A depressed teenager might lose interest in previously
favored activities. It is normal for young people to want to try new things and,
sometimes, abandon old activities and sports. If they is not picking up new activities to
replace those that they’re no longer interested in, however, this can be a sign of
adolescent depression.
3) Changes in Appetite Like adults, teens often eat in response to their emotions. If your
teenager suddenly has no appetite and seems to be losing weight or, conversely, is eating
more than usual and gaining weight, depression might be the cause. Any major weight
 gain or weight loss in your adolescent should prompt a visit to the doctor to rule out
medical causes, including an eating disorder, anxiety or depression.
4) Insomnia Many teens, if given the choice, would prefer to stay up late and sleep in. Your
teen might do this on the weekends and during school breaks and be exhibiting
completely common behavior. If their sleeping patterns are troubling him or her,
however, or interfering with schoolwork and activities, adolescent depression could be at
play. This mental health condition can cause insomnia or a tendency to sleep more than
what is normally needed. Sometimes teens with depression will alternate between the two
extremes.
5) Difficulty Making Decisions Many adolescents have difficulty concentrating,
remembering, and making decisions that greatly affects quality of life, especially those
who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, and making decisions is a possible indicator of mental health problems. It
is not always easy for adolescents to pay attention in class without letting their minds
wander. But it's not the fault of teenagers that they can't concentrate and are easily
distracted. It's to do with the structure of their brains. Adolescents simply don't have the
same mental capacities as an adult.
6) Signs of Suicidal Thoughts Major depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and, in some
cases, a suicide attempt. Your child might come to you and express that he or she is
having suicidal thoughts, but more often, parents need to be vigilant to pick up on subtle
signs. Dropping friends, a sudden sense of relief or happiness during a time of sadness,
saying things like, “things will be better when I’m gone,” or giving away prized
possessions can all be symptoms of suicidal thoughts. This is a medical emergency; call
them a doctor or head to the emergency room if you think that they might be seriously
considering suicide.

Estimates of number of mental disorders globally for girls and boys aged 10–14 and 15–
19, 2019.

Adolescence is a critical and formative period in which individuals begin their transition
from childhood to adulthood. Ensuring that adolescents are fully supported in all facets of
 life, including their mental health and well-being, is critical for fostering this transition and
laying the foundation for healthy and productive adulthoods.

Mental health conditions constitute a major burden of disease for adolescents globally. In
2019, it was estimated that one in seven adolescents experience mental disorders. This
amounts to an estimated 166 million adolescents (89 million boys and 77 million girls) boys
and girls globally. Among adolescents aged 10–19, anxiety and depression disorders make up
about 40 per cent of mental disorders. These are followed by conduct disorders (20.1%)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (19.5%).

Support and Solutions

1) Professional Help Adolescents with depression should be referred to mental health

professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists who can provide evidence-based
therapies and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
2) Psychotherapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and
family therapy have proven effective in treating adolescent depression. These therapeutic
approaches focus on improving coping skills, communication, and resolving underlying
issues.
3) Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment at home and school is vital. Encouraging open
communication, providing emotional support, and reducing stressors can positively
impact an adolescent's well-being.
4) Education And Awarness
Raising awareness about adolescent depression helps reduce stigma, promotes
understanding, and encourages early intervention. Educational campaigns in schools and
communities can contribute to a more supportive and empathetic environment.

Conclusion

Adolescent depression is a significant concern that affects millions of young individuals

worldwide. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential interventions, we can make
progress in addressing this mental health challenge. Early detection, professional help,
psychotherapy, supportive environments, and education are key components in tackling
adolescent depression and fostering the well-being of our youth. It is essential for society as a
whole to prioritize mental health and work together to ensure that adolescents receive the care