Recognizing Teenage Depression

Depression can be a temporary response to many different situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence conflicts with parents.nnIt may also be a reaction to a trauma, such as the death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failure at school. Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. Adolescents, who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they experience stressful events.nnTrue depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose because normal adolescent behavior is marked by both up and down moods. These moods may come and go over a period of hours or days.nnSome of the signs of teenage depression are:nn * Change in behaviors either at home or school in mood and actionsn * Violence or temper n * Minor criminal behavior such as shoplifting, missing curfewsn * Change in diet and eating habits such as bulimia or anorexian * Excessive sleepingn * Suicidal thoughts and dwelling on the subject of deathn * Difficulty sleeping accompanied by fatiguen * Feelings of sadness, or self-hatred nnAnxiety and stress levels in teenagers have definitely increased over the last few decades. Our fast paced lifestyle contributes greatly to this. Many times we think depression and anxiety are just normal teenage feelings. We need to be able to recognize what is a serious condition, and what are normal teen problems.nnWhat are some of the factors contributing to teen anxiety.n * Family Historyn * Divorce of their parentsn * Peer pressuren * School failuren * Pressure to succeed in sports and extra-curricular activitiesn * Pressure from parents to succeed based on their expectationsnThese are some contributing factors, but what are the symptoms?n * Paranoia or feelings of doubt and uneasinessn * Physical pain such as aching or abdominal painn * Rapid heartbeatn * Irritability or unexplained angern * Difficulty sleepingn * Dizziness or off balancen * Chest painn * Difficulty concentratingn * Fear that is not reasonablenIf your child is experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is recommended to consult a professional or boot camps .