Helping Teens Cope with Depression
Lately, your teenager hasn’t
seemed like herself. She’s sleeping more, eating less and never wants to talk
to you about anything. You assume that she’s just going through a phase, but
she may be suffering from depression---5 percent of all teenagers do. If you’re
concerned about your teen, or a teen you may know, here is some important
information. What are the symptoms of depression?
“One of the most obvious symptoms of teenage depression is a change
in behavior,” says Ahmed Hussain, M.D., a child and
adolescent psychiatrist at Advocate Medical Center. In other words, a normally
easygoing teen might suddenly become very irritable or withdrawn. That’s not to
say that every cranky teen is depressed. Just like adults, teenagers are
allowed to experience bad moods every now and then. In order to be considered
clinically depressed, symptoms must be present for at least a couple of weeks,
says Dr. Hussain. “Symptoms of depression include
withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns and appetite,
feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation,” he says. “The teen may also
experience conduct problems in school or at home and participate in risky
behaviors like getting into fights or taking drugs.” What causes depression in teens?
A chemical imbalance, stressful life changes, a family history of
depression or excessive drug or alcohol use are major risk factors for
depression. A depressed parent also may be a powerful influence on a teen’s
depression because of genetics or the teen’s imitation of the parent’s
behavior. “And sometimes depression just seems to occur right out of the blue,”
says Dr. Hussain. What should a parent do? “If you’re concerned that your teen may be
depressed, consider seeking a consultation with your primary care physician or
have your teen evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist,” says Carroll
Cradock, Ph.D., Director of Advocate Mental Health Center. Treatment usually
requires psychotherapy that works to improve the teen’s relationships, social
skills or problem-solving abilities. Medication may or may not be part of the
treatment. If necessary, the teen may be admitted to Advocate Medical Center
for inpatient care. Parents need to take an active role in
their teen’s treatment. “Compliance is very poor in teenagers, so without the
parents’ cooperation, we have nothing,” says Dr. Hussain.
“An involved parent can help us ensure the teen is taking his or her medication
and showing up to therapy sessions.” Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1536 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 563-0445
NAMI of Greater Chicago