Headaches In Teenagers

Signs of depression in adolescents can often be confused with typical mood swings and ups and downs often associated with simply being a teenager. So, what is considered normal? Is a teenager who is on the roof of the world in an instant and then the pain of unexplained sadness of the next normal or really depressed?

If you are a parent of a child between the ages of 10 and 18, you ask the question itself is critical. Depression can affect one in five adolescents before their 18th birthday. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undiagnosed because it believes is a normal part of life.

Understand the signs of teenage depression

Too often, parents reject common symptoms associated with depression among teens as a typical behavior of adolescence right. In addition, many adolescents suffer from this disorder will hide their feelings or to refuse to admit there is a potential problem. They can also be opposed to asking for help from family or friends.

There are many symptoms associated with depression among teenagers, and they often mimic the symptoms of depression in adults. These include chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating on tasks, poor concentration and irritability. As the depression progresses, the adolescent may become anxious and distracted trying to address this debilitating problem. Other symptoms include crying, shouting, complaining or general lethargy.

As with adults, depression can also be seen in a variety of unexplained and incurable physical problems such as aches and pains, headaches and digestive problems like indigestion. Other signs include a change in appetite and weight gain or loss with a change in sleeping patterns, like insomnia or chronic fatigue. More severe symptoms include suicidal thoughts or talk or death.

If five or more of the above symptoms are exhibited for a period longer than two weeks, mothers and / or fathers should talk to their teenagers and seek professional help. Of course, if there is a threat of suicide, parents should seek immediate treatment and intervention.

The causes of depression among adolescents and its effects

Teenage depression is often caused by external stress circumstances. It can be a family divorce, a major change in family dynamics, financial problems, physical or sexual abuse, alcohol or drug problems within the family a death in the family the trouble with recent trauma or tragedy.

For some, depression can be caused by the inability of a young person to meet certain goals. These can be academic or athletic goals. For others, it may be social objectives. For example, if a young person fails to take in or is being bullied or rejected at school, this can have devastating effects on their self-esteem, causing fits of anxiety and depression.

Regarding the effects of depression among adolescents, the onset can significantly impact the life of a young family, social relationships and academic achievement. Previous studies have shown that adolescents with depression have higher levels of absenteeism, decreased academic performance and are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Of course, the most serious consequence of depression in adolescent suicide, which is why it is important to recognize early signs quickly and ask for help.