Signs Of Depression—What It Is And How To Identify It
Depression is a commonly misinterpreted disorder. Everyone gets sad and feels pain every once and a while, but what happens when a sad mood persists for a long period of time? This is what is known as depression. Depression is marked by many signs and symptoms, but because there are so many different ones, it can be difficult to identify them. Being aware of what depression is and what its symptoms are could save someone’s life—whether it is yours or someone you love.
Describing The Disorder
Many people are unclear about what depression actually is. Depression is a disorder that can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime. It causes one to feel unrelentingly and overwhelmingly sad or lifeless for an extended period of time. Some people describe depression as a feeling of long-term doom, while others say it is an emptiness they feel inside.
The trouble with depression is that those who suffer with it often do not know that they suffer from it, or else they do not care enough to do anything about it. That is why it up to their friends and family members to know what depression is, and its symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Send A Message
People who suffer from depression can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, all ranging in severity. Common symptoms include feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, appetite or weight changes, sleep changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, aches and pains, loss of energy, concentration problems, irritability, and self-loathing.
Identifying these symptoms can be difficult, because many of them can be experienced by people with other illnesses or with nothing wrong with them at all. Everyone feels irritable every once and a while, and it is not uncommon to experience aches and pains sometimes. However, if a combination of these symptoms persists, then it is time to voice your concerns.
Intervene, Or Else
Knowing the long term consequences of depression are part of knowing what it is. Depression that goes untreated can cause many problems for those who are affected, but the worst consequence of all is the potential of suicide. This consequence should be an incentive to get help as soon as you can.
Know The Facts
Knowing the facts depression, including what it is, what its symptoms are, and what the long term results of the disorder are, can help you to be more informed if you encounter it in your daily life. If you or someone who know has clinical depression, act now, because there is no time to waste.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
understanding depression
Understanding Depression In Childhood
A common myth says that it is only adults who suffer from depression, while a child or a teen does not. This is absolutely a false concept. Similar to an adult, a child may also experience many forms of depression. In fact, the problem of depression in childhood can be more prevalent compared to other ages of development. Childhood depression may not be adequately met in most of the cases as the symptoms are underestimated and considered unimportant as a normal course of development. So understanding childhood depression is very important and a challenge to all researchers and health practitioners.
Common Symptoms
A depressed child may have some specific symptoms, which although they have a resemblance to normal developmental emotional changes, the symptoms are subtly different. Childhood depression may cause irritability rather than sadness. Additionally it may also result in hopelessness and boredom. Commonly it is seen that a depressed child moves slowly and sometimes zombie like. One needs a thorough understanding of depression in childhood so that the symptoms may not be confused with a normal emotional tantrum.
Associated Risks
A careful understanding of childhood depression is important because if it is left untreated for any long period of time, it may lead to suicide or suicidal attempts. Children may also experience depression for parental conflict. Understanding depression is an important part of identifying the difference between normal moodiness and symptoms of depression. For the former the child does not have any probable risks, however for the later the child is highly vulnerable to different risks such as suicide or suicidal attempts, decrease in academic performance, withdrawal from activities, irritation, social isolation and many others.
Risk Factors
There are a couple of risk factors that can actually cause depression in a child. The most important risk factor is a depressed family member. Studies confirm that children having either one or both parents diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to experience depression themselves. Children suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes are at higher risk for developing depression. Sexual abuse and alcoholism or drug addiction in the family may also pose a serious threat.
Treatments
The treatment for depressed children is similar to the treatment of depressed adults. This treatments incorporates counseling, medication and psychotherapeutic interventions. However, practitioners need a thorough understanding of depression in childhood as children are at higher risk for being affected by potential side effects caused by prescribed medications. Common psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy, family therapy and play therapy. The medications used for treating depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antidepressant medications and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A common myth says that it is only adults who suffer from depression, while a child or a teen does not. This is absolutely a false concept. Similar to an adult, a child may also experience many forms of depression. In fact, the problem of depression in childhood can be more prevalent compared to other ages of development. Childhood depression may not be adequately met in most of the cases as the symptoms are underestimated and considered unimportant as a normal course of development. So understanding childhood depression is very important and a challenge to all researchers and health practitioners.
Common Symptoms
A depressed child may have some specific symptoms, which although they have a resemblance to normal developmental emotional changes, the symptoms are subtly different. Childhood depression may cause irritability rather than sadness. Additionally it may also result in hopelessness and boredom. Commonly it is seen that a depressed child moves slowly and sometimes zombie like. One needs a thorough understanding of depression in childhood so that the symptoms may not be confused with a normal emotional tantrum.
Associated Risks
A careful understanding of childhood depression is important because if it is left untreated for any long period of time, it may lead to suicide or suicidal attempts. Children may also experience depression for parental conflict. Understanding depression is an important part of identifying the difference between normal moodiness and symptoms of depression. For the former the child does not have any probable risks, however for the later the child is highly vulnerable to different risks such as suicide or suicidal attempts, decrease in academic performance, withdrawal from activities, irritation, social isolation and many others.
Risk Factors
There are a couple of risk factors that can actually cause depression in a child. The most important risk factor is a depressed family member. Studies confirm that children having either one or both parents diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to experience depression themselves. Children suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes are at higher risk for developing depression. Sexual abuse and alcoholism or drug addiction in the family may also pose a serious threat.
Treatments
The treatment for depressed children is similar to the treatment of depressed adults. This treatments incorporates counseling, medication and psychotherapeutic interventions. However, practitioners need a thorough understanding of depression in childhood as children are at higher risk for being affected by potential side effects caused by prescribed medications. Common psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy, family therapy and play therapy. The medications used for treating depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antidepressant medications and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
types of depression
Different Types Of Depression Mean Custom Classification
Depression affects many people, but no two people are affected in the same way. Depression can lead to different consequences, and it can stem from different root causes. One common misconception is that there is only one type of depression that affects all victims; however, this is not true at all. Now, experts know that there are several different types of depression (more specifically, four types), which is why the causes and effects are so diverse as well.
Major Depression
The first type of depression is major depression. Major depression is the most serious type of depression there is. People with major depression typically exhibit the most signs and symptoms than those with other types of depression; however, the signs and symptoms of major depression vary greatly. People with major depression are characterized by their inability to experience pleasure. A major depression episode left untreated lasts for about six months, and while it is usually a reoccurring disorder, some people only experience one episode in a lifetime.
Dysthymic Disorder
This type of depression is more moderate than major depression. It usually lasts for at least two years, if not longer. The symptoms of dysthymic disorder are not as severe as those of major depression, but they are more difficult to identify and treat. Frequently, people with dysthymic depression will develop a form of major depression at some point during the course of their disorder.
Feeling “SAD”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another type of depression. This category is used to describe people whose depressive episodes occur in a pattern that follows the seasons. This disorder affects people in the fall and winter, when there is a limited amount of sunlight. This type of depression is most common in northern areas, and in younger people. Seasonal Affective Disorder goes away during the spring and summer.
Postpartum Depression
Often referred to as the “baby blues,” this type of depression affects new mothers, usually within six months after delivery. This is a very serious form of depression, and it is thought to be caused by the natural hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy.
Help Is On The Way
Whatever type of depression you might have, it is important that you seek treatment right away from a professional. The method of treatment will vary depending on the specific form of depression you are affected with; however, it is sure to be successful at helping you to lead a normal life free from unhappiness.
Depression affects many people, but no two people are affected in the same way. Depression can lead to different consequences, and it can stem from different root causes. One common misconception is that there is only one type of depression that affects all victims; however, this is not true at all. Now, experts know that there are several different types of depression (more specifically, four types), which is why the causes and effects are so diverse as well.
Major Depression
The first type of depression is major depression. Major depression is the most serious type of depression there is. People with major depression typically exhibit the most signs and symptoms than those with other types of depression; however, the signs and symptoms of major depression vary greatly. People with major depression are characterized by their inability to experience pleasure. A major depression episode left untreated lasts for about six months, and while it is usually a reoccurring disorder, some people only experience one episode in a lifetime.
Dysthymic Disorder
This type of depression is more moderate than major depression. It usually lasts for at least two years, if not longer. The symptoms of dysthymic disorder are not as severe as those of major depression, but they are more difficult to identify and treat. Frequently, people with dysthymic depression will develop a form of major depression at some point during the course of their disorder.
Feeling “SAD”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another type of depression. This category is used to describe people whose depressive episodes occur in a pattern that follows the seasons. This disorder affects people in the fall and winter, when there is a limited amount of sunlight. This type of depression is most common in northern areas, and in younger people. Seasonal Affective Disorder goes away during the spring and summer.
Postpartum Depression
Often referred to as the “baby blues,” this type of depression affects new mothers, usually within six months after delivery. This is a very serious form of depression, and it is thought to be caused by the natural hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy.
Help Is On The Way
Whatever type of depression you might have, it is important that you seek treatment right away from a professional. The method of treatment will vary depending on the specific form of depression you are affected with; however, it is sure to be successful at helping you to lead a normal life free from unhappiness.
treatments for depression
An Overview of Treatments for Depression
Depression is an illness and many people around the world are victim of this disease. However, a major number of people simply do not understand the importance of the severity of depression, thereby simply are left untreated. Like all other illnesses, depression needs treatments and it is treatable if encountered on time. People suffering from depression may experience intense feeling of sadness, confusion, frustration, anxiety, hopelessness, pain, loss of energy and loss of appetite. Treatments for depression need the thorough understanding of the problem, its possible consequences and the associated risk factors.
Initial Treatment
At the initial stage of treatments for depression may include the administration of different medications such as antidepressants. Additionally, the depressed individual may be suggested to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. In fact, the ideal treatments for depression may cover the combination of medication and therapeutic intervention. The treatments for depression are exclusively determined on the degree of depression and other significant environmental and health factors. For mild to moderate level of depression, people may seek professional counseling to get the solution. For severe problem, you may need advanced level of treatments.
Advanced Treatment
However, even if the early detection of depression may show the symptoms associated with severe level, the suffering individual may need both psychological counseling and medication. In some cases, although rare, hospitalization may be needed if the victim shows the symptoms of suicide or has already taken suicidal attempts. The advanced level of treatments for depression become necessary for those who have shown a clear symptom of psychosis (dissociation from reality), planning to perform self-injury or have already done, planning to harm others or have already done, abusing alcohol or drugs. The hospitalization may need a longer and complex pattern of treatments for depression.
Treatment Duration
Although the treatments of depression offer increasing success rate if it includes medication or psychotherapy or the combination of both. In most of the cases, it needs time as the appropriate treatment plan needs to be determined. In fact, it takes several attempts just to identify which medication works best with an individual. It is quite possible that while a particular medication is found beneficial for an individual, it may not offer expected results in others. An individual may come to a better shape within one to three weeks following the administration of antidepressant medications. However, more time is actually needed to see the overall improvements. After going through antidepressant medications, if someone does not experience a better condition, he must make it clear to the doctor, so that the doctor can offer the individual the possible alternative medications.
Depression is an illness and many people around the world are victim of this disease. However, a major number of people simply do not understand the importance of the severity of depression, thereby simply are left untreated. Like all other illnesses, depression needs treatments and it is treatable if encountered on time. People suffering from depression may experience intense feeling of sadness, confusion, frustration, anxiety, hopelessness, pain, loss of energy and loss of appetite. Treatments for depression need the thorough understanding of the problem, its possible consequences and the associated risk factors.
Initial Treatment
At the initial stage of treatments for depression may include the administration of different medications such as antidepressants. Additionally, the depressed individual may be suggested to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. In fact, the ideal treatments for depression may cover the combination of medication and therapeutic intervention. The treatments for depression are exclusively determined on the degree of depression and other significant environmental and health factors. For mild to moderate level of depression, people may seek professional counseling to get the solution. For severe problem, you may need advanced level of treatments.
Advanced Treatment
However, even if the early detection of depression may show the symptoms associated with severe level, the suffering individual may need both psychological counseling and medication. In some cases, although rare, hospitalization may be needed if the victim shows the symptoms of suicide or has already taken suicidal attempts. The advanced level of treatments for depression become necessary for those who have shown a clear symptom of psychosis (dissociation from reality), planning to perform self-injury or have already done, planning to harm others or have already done, abusing alcohol or drugs. The hospitalization may need a longer and complex pattern of treatments for depression.
Treatment Duration
Although the treatments of depression offer increasing success rate if it includes medication or psychotherapy or the combination of both. In most of the cases, it needs time as the appropriate treatment plan needs to be determined. In fact, it takes several attempts just to identify which medication works best with an individual. It is quite possible that while a particular medication is found beneficial for an individual, it may not offer expected results in others. An individual may come to a better shape within one to three weeks following the administration of antidepressant medications. However, more time is actually needed to see the overall improvements. After going through antidepressant medications, if someone does not experience a better condition, he must make it clear to the doctor, so that the doctor can offer the individual the possible alternative medications.
test for manic depression
Psychometric Test for Manic Depression
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, occurs due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, which may result in severe mood swings from manic highs to distressing lows. The psychometric test is used for diagnosing manic depression. Although the diagnosis can make people confused and anxious, it is not something beyond treatment or management. Even though it is treatable and manageable, manic depression itself is a complex illness that may affect one’s life profoundly. Therefore, early diagnosis is important. This article sheds light on different available psychometric tests available for diagnosing manic depression in an individual.
Self Assessment Test
If you feel that you may be suffering from manic depression, a self-assessment test for manic depression may be of great help to you. In order to administer the test for diagnosing manic depression in yourself you do not need to go anywhere. Many medical research organizations and institutions offer a wide range of opportunities that you can easily avail via the Internet. Although many of them are not authentic and are not truly based on scientific measures, quite a few are well up to the mark. In a self-assessment test for manic depression, all you need to do is answer few questions that typically come in multiple choice format. There is no right or wrong answers. You have to answer according to your own mental status and with complete honesty.
Doctor Recommended Test
Instead of doing an online test for manic depression, many people actually prefer to visit a psychiatrist at this time because they feel they can not simply handle the situation by themselves any longer. More generally, doctors prefer to use Beck’s Depression Inventory or Glasgow Depression Scale in order to test for manic depression in the patient.
These types of scales have the required degree of reliability and validity. The results retrieved from these scales are more accurate and self-explanatory. Doctors only consider the standardized tests for measuring the depression level in an individual and only after identifying the degree of depression can they recommend prescription drugs or other treatments.
Beyond The Test
Before sending patients for testing for depression doctors try to diagnose from many overt symptoms such as sad mood, loss of interest, change in appetite, unusual weight gain or loss, loss of energy, difficulty in sleeping, recurrent thoughts of suicide and other negative behaviors.
However, sometimes symptoms of manic depression are overshadowed by the symptoms of other disorders. Doctors with knowledge and expertise in this field are able to make the distinction. In order to be certain about their diagnosis and to analyze the degree of depression, they usually recommend the patient to go for a test for manic depression.
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, occurs due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, which may result in severe mood swings from manic highs to distressing lows. The psychometric test is used for diagnosing manic depression. Although the diagnosis can make people confused and anxious, it is not something beyond treatment or management. Even though it is treatable and manageable, manic depression itself is a complex illness that may affect one’s life profoundly. Therefore, early diagnosis is important. This article sheds light on different available psychometric tests available for diagnosing manic depression in an individual.
Self Assessment Test
If you feel that you may be suffering from manic depression, a self-assessment test for manic depression may be of great help to you. In order to administer the test for diagnosing manic depression in yourself you do not need to go anywhere. Many medical research organizations and institutions offer a wide range of opportunities that you can easily avail via the Internet. Although many of them are not authentic and are not truly based on scientific measures, quite a few are well up to the mark. In a self-assessment test for manic depression, all you need to do is answer few questions that typically come in multiple choice format. There is no right or wrong answers. You have to answer according to your own mental status and with complete honesty.
Doctor Recommended Test
Instead of doing an online test for manic depression, many people actually prefer to visit a psychiatrist at this time because they feel they can not simply handle the situation by themselves any longer. More generally, doctors prefer to use Beck’s Depression Inventory or Glasgow Depression Scale in order to test for manic depression in the patient.
These types of scales have the required degree of reliability and validity. The results retrieved from these scales are more accurate and self-explanatory. Doctors only consider the standardized tests for measuring the depression level in an individual and only after identifying the degree of depression can they recommend prescription drugs or other treatments.
Beyond The Test
Before sending patients for testing for depression doctors try to diagnose from many overt symptoms such as sad mood, loss of interest, change in appetite, unusual weight gain or loss, loss of energy, difficulty in sleeping, recurrent thoughts of suicide and other negative behaviors.
However, sometimes symptoms of manic depression are overshadowed by the symptoms of other disorders. Doctors with knowledge and expertise in this field are able to make the distinction. In order to be certain about their diagnosis and to analyze the degree of depression, they usually recommend the patient to go for a test for manic depression.
teen depression
Teen Depression – Beware Of The Tell-Tale Sings
There is too much pressure on children today. A few decades ago, childhood meant fun, innocent mischief, games, travel, parents’ love and peer friendships. Today, all this has changed; today childhood is characterized by competition, ambition, struggle for power at homes and outside, parents’ pressure to succeed at any cost, peer pressure to belong, and so on.
All this is very rough on teens who are already struggling to come to terms with the changes in their bodies and minds that occur at puberty and early adolescence. Both girls and boys suffer from different aspects – pimples, hair problems, deepening of the voice, breast size, periods, penis size, virginity vs sex and so on.
The Signs Of Teen Depression
With so much going on, it is not surprising that one in every five teens suffer from one or other forms of depression. Can you, as a parent or guardian, recognize the signs of teen depression early enough? What are the signs of teen depression that could help you identify this problem with your child?
It is often a little difficult to identify these symptoms or signs because the teens are characterized by weird behavior in general. However, with a little perseverance and careful observation you could be successful in identifying the signs of teen depression, if present.
The first thing that would strike you is that your son or daughter has all of a sudden turned into a slob. Wearing fashionably torn or frayed clothes with wild hairdos is one thing; wearing dirty clothes, not taking bath for days, not combing (or using make-up), not bothering about what they wear on their feet – would show that they do not care how they look. This is one very important sign of teen depression.
Coupled with the terrible appearances you would find that the teen has no interest in anything they previously liked – music, video games, TV shows, shopping, bullying their siblings, etc. Nothing is fun anymore, and they stop playing outdoors (if they were playing before), they stop any hobbies and prefer to either lock themselves in their room or sit in parks doing nothing.
The grades of these children also show a sudden plunge. This in one teen depression sign, that almost always is handled wrongly by the parents. This is because in their anxiety to put their children back on the track, they would use punishment instead of finding out the reasons behind it. In most cases parents jump to the conclusion that their children do not want to study any longer and the low grades reflects this lack of interest.
There is too much pressure on children today. A few decades ago, childhood meant fun, innocent mischief, games, travel, parents’ love and peer friendships. Today, all this has changed; today childhood is characterized by competition, ambition, struggle for power at homes and outside, parents’ pressure to succeed at any cost, peer pressure to belong, and so on.
All this is very rough on teens who are already struggling to come to terms with the changes in their bodies and minds that occur at puberty and early adolescence. Both girls and boys suffer from different aspects – pimples, hair problems, deepening of the voice, breast size, periods, penis size, virginity vs sex and so on.
The Signs Of Teen Depression
With so much going on, it is not surprising that one in every five teens suffer from one or other forms of depression. Can you, as a parent or guardian, recognize the signs of teen depression early enough? What are the signs of teen depression that could help you identify this problem with your child?
It is often a little difficult to identify these symptoms or signs because the teens are characterized by weird behavior in general. However, with a little perseverance and careful observation you could be successful in identifying the signs of teen depression, if present.
The first thing that would strike you is that your son or daughter has all of a sudden turned into a slob. Wearing fashionably torn or frayed clothes with wild hairdos is one thing; wearing dirty clothes, not taking bath for days, not combing (or using make-up), not bothering about what they wear on their feet – would show that they do not care how they look. This is one very important sign of teen depression.
Coupled with the terrible appearances you would find that the teen has no interest in anything they previously liked – music, video games, TV shows, shopping, bullying their siblings, etc. Nothing is fun anymore, and they stop playing outdoors (if they were playing before), they stop any hobbies and prefer to either lock themselves in their room or sit in parks doing nothing.
The grades of these children also show a sudden plunge. This in one teen depression sign, that almost always is handled wrongly by the parents. This is because in their anxiety to put their children back on the track, they would use punishment instead of finding out the reasons behind it. In most cases parents jump to the conclusion that their children do not want to study any longer and the low grades reflects this lack of interest.
stress depression
Adolescent Stress And Depression
Although the adolescence period is characterized as the happiest phase of life, stress and depression are common problems marked at this stage of life. Several scientific studies focus on determining the prevalence of adolescent stress and depression in cross-cultural backgrounds. These studies confirm that the risky behaviors of adolescents are universal and crucially governed by their experience to stress, depression and other societal factors. However, depression has a genetic root as well. The disease of depression may run through generations.
The Experience Of Stress And Depression Are Real
Many teenagers are seriously affected with the experience of stress and depression. Adolescents experiencing stress and depression may rely on their negative or positive behaviors while dealing with their problems. Stress features feeling of anxiety, frustration, worry and withdrawal and a typical session of stress may last for few hours to few days. On the other hand, depression is much more complex and elaborative process that features intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, isolation, feeling of unworthiness and a complete withdrawal that may last for longer periods, say, for few days to an entire lifetime, for example.
Common Causes Of Stress And Depression During Adolescence
The most common cause is of course breakup with partners. Apart from that, continuous arguments with parents or parental figures may play a significant leading role in the development of stress, anxiety and depression. Sibling jealousy, conflicts between parents, change in financial status of parents, sudden death or serious or terminal illness of either or both parents are the other important causes that can be considered as important factors for causing stress and depression among adolescents.
Although it seems that the adolescents who show anti-social behavior are a problem for society, the fact is that they are also in trouble with their own lives. There are several factors that can make an adolescent vulnerable to depression and self-destructive behavior. These factors may include family history of depression, alcoholism or drug use by family members, sexual or physical abuse, prolonged history of illness in family, sudden death of parents, family conflict, feeling of rejection, criticizing parents, educational pressure and many others.
Depressed Adolescents React Differently
A huge number of adolescents find ways to cope with their depression and stress, others don’t. For the later group, the stressful events keep piling up, so do their problems in life. The higher the degree of depression and stress, the higher the rate of suicide or suicidal attempts among adolescents, as research confirms. In fact, depressed adolescents are at much higher risk for committing suicide than those who are not depressed. Depressed adolescents also reveal different types of anti-social activities and aggressive behavior.
Although the adolescence period is characterized as the happiest phase of life, stress and depression are common problems marked at this stage of life. Several scientific studies focus on determining the prevalence of adolescent stress and depression in cross-cultural backgrounds. These studies confirm that the risky behaviors of adolescents are universal and crucially governed by their experience to stress, depression and other societal factors. However, depression has a genetic root as well. The disease of depression may run through generations.
The Experience Of Stress And Depression Are Real
Many teenagers are seriously affected with the experience of stress and depression. Adolescents experiencing stress and depression may rely on their negative or positive behaviors while dealing with their problems. Stress features feeling of anxiety, frustration, worry and withdrawal and a typical session of stress may last for few hours to few days. On the other hand, depression is much more complex and elaborative process that features intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, isolation, feeling of unworthiness and a complete withdrawal that may last for longer periods, say, for few days to an entire lifetime, for example.
Common Causes Of Stress And Depression During Adolescence
The most common cause is of course breakup with partners. Apart from that, continuous arguments with parents or parental figures may play a significant leading role in the development of stress, anxiety and depression. Sibling jealousy, conflicts between parents, change in financial status of parents, sudden death or serious or terminal illness of either or both parents are the other important causes that can be considered as important factors for causing stress and depression among adolescents.
Although it seems that the adolescents who show anti-social behavior are a problem for society, the fact is that they are also in trouble with their own lives. There are several factors that can make an adolescent vulnerable to depression and self-destructive behavior. These factors may include family history of depression, alcoholism or drug use by family members, sexual or physical abuse, prolonged history of illness in family, sudden death of parents, family conflict, feeling of rejection, criticizing parents, educational pressure and many others.
Depressed Adolescents React Differently
A huge number of adolescents find ways to cope with their depression and stress, others don’t. For the later group, the stressful events keep piling up, so do their problems in life. The higher the degree of depression and stress, the higher the rate of suicide or suicidal attempts among adolescents, as research confirms. In fact, depressed adolescents are at much higher risk for committing suicide than those who are not depressed. Depressed adolescents also reveal different types of anti-social activities and aggressive behavior.
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