Depression is a major problem among teens
It’s not a pleasant subject, but it’s a fact: suicide has become the second leading cause of death today among young people ages 15-19. (The leading cause is accidents.) At the root of this terrible reality is depression.
Depression affects people of all ages, but the adolescent years carry special risks. This is a time of transition, and it’s often very stressful. Most young people handle the ups, downs and uncertainties fairly well.
"However, some teens feel overwhelmed, and mistakenly think they have nowhere to turn," said Scott Lindsley, director of Behavioral Services at Mercy Medical Center. "They may start ‘self-medicating’ their pain with alcohol or other drugs, or they may turn to acts of violence."
They are reluctant to talk about their emotions or problems, thinking this will make them a burden, or fearing others will ridicule them. All too often, these troubled kids will choose the only option that seems available to them: taking their own lives.
If a young person (or anyone you know) mentions thoughts of suicide, the most important thing you can do is to take it seriously, warned Lindsley. "Seek professional help immediately. Most young people who attempt to take their own lives do talk about it first."
Not all depressed teens commit suicide. But even for those who don’t, depression can take a huge toll on their teenage years, blighting their ability to participate in normal teen activities, succeed in school, and enjoy life in general.
Lindsley said, "If parents suspect that their teenaged son or daughter may be depressed, it’s important to get the feelings out into the open. This may require much patience, caring and understanding, since depressed teens may have difficulty communicating their feelings, or may think that others won’t understand."
How does a parent identify depression in a teenager? Lindsley listed the following symptoms:
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Confusion or difficulty with decisions
- Drop in school performance
- Problems with eating or sleeping
- Low self-esteem or guilt
- Abuse of alcohol and other drugs
- Problems with authority
- Anxiety or phobias (exaggerated fears)
- Perfectionism
- Restlessness
Depression may be "masked" by physical problems or other conditions that might seem completely unrelated, Lindsley pointed out. These may include:
- Appetite changes or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Extreme fatigue; wanting to sleep all the time, but still feeling exhausted
- Insomnia
- Headaches or other chronic pains
- Gastrointestinal upsets
"The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth," Lindsley emphasized, "are depression, abuse of alcohol or other drugs, and aggressive or disruptive behavior." If several of the following symptoms, experiences or behaviors are present, a mental health professional or another trusted adult should be consulted."
- Depressed mood
- Substance abuse
- Frequent episodes of running away or being incarcerated
- Family loss or instability; major problems with parents
- Expression of suicidal thoughts, or talk of death or the afterlife during moments of sadness or boredom
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Difficulty dealing with sexual orientation
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Impulsive, aggressive behavior; frequent expressions of rage.
Counseling for adolescents is available through a number of the Mercy Behavioral Services, including Mercy Family Counseling, the Sedlacek Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Mercy EAP Services, and Women’s Counseling Services.
For more information, call 319-398-6575. In an emergency, use Mercy’s Access (Crisis and Assessment) line, 319-398-6476. This phone is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
